Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport

Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ) is not merely a functional point on the map, but a picturesque aerial gateway opening the path to the wildlife and cultural treasures of West Sumatra. Located at the foot of green hills, this airport immerses travellers in an atmosphere of tropical tranquillity from the very first minute, so different from the hustle and bustle of megacities. Recent modernisation has transformed it into a comfortable and stylish hub that harmoniously combines modern technology with unique local traditions, becoming a worthy start to any adventure in this region.

Below is the key information about the airport:

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its status as a regional node, Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport possesses a number of unique features that make it memorable for tourists:

• Authentic Architecture. The design of the passenger terminal is inspired by the traditional houses of the Batak people — "Rumah Bolon". The curved roof and characteristic decorative elements allow guests to touch upon local culture immediately after landing, making the building an excellent backdrop for the first photos of the trip.
• Scenic Approach. The flight to Sibolga is often called a separate kind of excursion. Descending, the aircraft passes over the dense jungles of the Barisan mountain range and the coast of the Indian Ocean, revealing breathtaking panoramic views for which it is worth booking a window seat.
• Strategic Location. The airport is a key transit point for surfers and adventure seekers heading to the legendary Nias Island. From here, it is easy to get to the port of Sibolga, from where ferries depart to world-famous surf spots and megalithic villages.
• Modern Comfort. After the opening of the new terminal in 2019, the airport offered passengers a significantly higher level of service, including improved air conditioning systems and more spacious waiting halls, which is especially valuable in the tropical climate.

Finding detailed and direct contacts for a small regional airport, such as Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ), can be challenging. Below is the most up-to-date information gathered to help you navigate.

• Airport Address: Jl. Dr. Ferdinand Lumban Tobing, Pinangsori, Kabupaten Tapanuli Tengah, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia.
• Information Desk Phone: Main contact number for general enquiries: +62 631 7362001. Please note that this is a general line, and response times may vary.
• Official Website: Like many regional airports in Indonesia, Ferdinand Lumban Tobing does not have its own separate website. It operates under the country's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline representative immediately. It is the air carrier that bears responsibility for luggage and handles the search.
• Email, Social Media, and Support: Special communication channels, such as email, official social media pages, or a dedicated passenger support service, are not provided for this airport. For all questions, it is recommended to use the phone number listed above.

Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ) is located approximately 40 kilometres from the city of Sibolga, so it is worth planning your journey in advance. The trip from the city centre to the terminal usually takes from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Here are the main ways to get to the airport in Indonesia.

Taxi and Transfer This is the most convenient and reliable option. You can order a taxi at your hotel, hail one on the street, or use mobile apps popular in the country, such as Grab or Gojek. The cost will be higher compared to public transport, but you receive comfort and a door-to-door journey. Many hotels also offer transfer arrangement services, which is an excellent solution for those who value predictability.

Public Transport There is generally no direct bus service between the city centre and the airport. However, local minivans known as "Angkot" operate in the region. This option is suitable for budget and adventurous travellers. Routes and schedules can be unpredictable, so it is better to check information with locals. This is the cheapest method, but it requires a significant buffer of time and patience.

Car Rental If you prefer independence and plan to explore the surroundings, renting a car would be a good choice. Rental points can be found in Sibolga. Ensure you have a valid International Driving Permit. The road to the airport is scenic but can be winding. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided at the airport.

Recommendations For most tourists, the optimal choice would be ordering a taxi via an app or pre-booking a transfer. This guarantees timely arrival at the airport without unnecessary stress, especially if you are travelling with luggage.

Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ) is a small regional airport serving the city of Sibolga and its surroundings. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation very easy even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport consists of one compact terminal that serves both departing and arriving passengers. Due to its small size, there is no need for complex transfers or shuttles — everything is within walking distance. The terminal layout is extremely simple: upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the check-in area where airline counters are located. Immediately behind it is the security checkpoint.

Departure and Arrival Zones are clearly separated but located in the same building. After passing screening, passengers enter a small waiting hall with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located in another part of the terminal and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city, where passengers are met by taxis and private transport. The entire infrastructure is aimed at quick and efficient passenger service without unnecessary complications.

Thanks to the compact dimensions and moderate passenger flow, passing through check-in and screening usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport typically 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are located close to each other and are well marked with signs.

Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ), serving the city of Sibolga and the Central Tapanuli region, has a history closely tied to the development of infrastructure in Indonesia. Named after Ferdinand Lumban Tobing, an Indonesian national hero and independence fighter, the airport has journeyed from a simple airfield to a modern aerial gateway.

Although the exact founding date of the original runway is not documented, like many other airfields in the region, it was likely established for administrative or military needs in the mid-20th century. For a long time, it remained a small airport with limited capabilities, serving mainly local flights on small aircraft.

A key moment in the history of the airport was the large-scale modernisation completed in 2019. This event marked a true rebirth for FLZ. As part of the national infrastructure development project, a completely new, modern passenger terminal was built. Its grand opening took place in February 2019 with the participation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, highlighting the national importance of the project.

During the reconstruction, significant works were carried out:

• Construction of a new terminal: The building received a modern design inspired by the architecture of traditional Batak houses ("Rumah Bolon"), making it a culturally significant object.
• Runway extension: The runway was widened and extended to 2,250 metres, allowing the airport to accommodate larger airliners, such as the Boeing 737.
• Infrastructure modernisation: Navigation systems and general infrastructure were updated to increase safety and capacity.

Today, Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport is an important transport hub that stimulates economic development and tourism in the region. Its modern history is a vivid example of how investment in infrastructure can transform a small regional airfield into an important catalyst for growth.

Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ), serving the city of Sibolga and its surroundings, is a small regional airport. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops. In the terminal, you will find several small cafés (warungs) where you can order simple Indonesian dishes, snacks, and drinks. There are also kiosks offering travel goods, press, and local souvenirs.

Waiting Halls. A general waiting hall is equipped for all passengers. There are no specialised VIP or business lounges at the airport, but the standard waiting area allows you to wait for your flight in comfort.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations. Free Wi-Fi access may be provided in the airport building, but its stability is not always guaranteed. There are power outlets for charging electronic devices in the waiting hall, although their number may be limited.

Financial Services. An ATM is usually installed within the terminal territory, where you can withdraw cash in local currency. Currency exchange bureaus are absent here, so it is recommended to arrange money exchange in advance at one of the city's banks.

Medical Assistance and Services for Children. A first aid point operates at the airport. Special mother and child rooms are not provided for travellers with small children, however, changing tables may be available in the restrooms.

Accessible Environment. The airport is equipped with basic amenities for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps for convenient movement. If necessary, you can request assistance from airline or airport staff in advance.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Sibolga. Conference halls and business centres are also absent at the airport.

Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ) is a small regional airport serving the city of Sibolga. Dining options here are quite modest but allow for an acquaintance with authentic Indonesian cuisine. Most establishments are located in the main public area (landside), before passing security control. After screening (airside), the selection is generally very limited or non-existent, so it is better to eat beforehand.

The basis of gastronomic offerings at the airport consists of small cafés and eateries in the "warung" style. Here, travellers can have a full lunch or dinner. The menu usually features popular dishes of Indonesia: Nasi Goreng (fried rice with additions), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), as well as various soups, for example, Soto. This is an excellent opportunity to try hearty and aromatic local food at an affordable price.

For those in a hurry, there are several options for a quick snack. At the airport, you can find small kiosks selling fresh pastries, local sweets (kue), and packaged snacks. You can also drink a cup of local coffee, known for its rich flavour. This is an ideal choice if there is very little time left before departure.

Food prices at Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport are significantly lower than in major international hubs. A full lunch will cost a quite modest sum. Regarding dietary preferences, almost all food is Halal. Finding special vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes on the menu might be difficult, however, one can always ask for rice with vegetables (Nasi Sayur) prepared without meat. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open before the first departures and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

When planning a departure from Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport (FLZ), located in the city of Sibolga, it is important to remember a few tips that will make your journey through Indonesia more comfortable. Although it is a regional airport, it is recommended to arrive early. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to complete all pre-flight formalities without rushing.

Check-in and security control procedures at Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport usually go faster than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, always keep your passport, ticket, and other necessary documents ready. To speed up the process, pack all liquids over 100 ml in checked luggage in advance and remove electronics from hand luggage during screening.

Seat selection on the plane can significantly influence your flight impressions. If you want to enjoy picturesque views of the Sumatra coast during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. An aisle seat will provide more legroom and allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. For those in a hurry, the best seats are in the front part of the cabin, as you will be able to exit the aircraft among the first.

Standard hand luggage rules apply here as well. It is prohibited to take sharp objects (knives, scissors), flammable liquids, and aerosols into the aircraft cabin. All liquids, gels, and creams must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. External batteries (power banks) and other lithium batteries are permitted for carriage only in hand luggage.

If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage at the intermediate airport. Sibolga Airport serves mainly domestic flights, so your connection will likely be in one of the country's major hubs, for example, in Medan. Calculate in advance the time needed for transferring between terminals and re-screening.

Since Ferdinand Lumban Tobing Airport is oriented towards domestic transport, there is no strict customs control upon departure from it. However, when entering Indonesia via an international airport, you will need to pass through customs. Do not forget to declare goods if their value exceeds established limits, and remember the ban on importing certain categories of products and substances.

To save time, complete online check-in for the flight if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters. To save money, travel light to avoid paying for excess baggage, and take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing screening. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information about a new departure time or alternative options. Bear in mind that the infrastructure of a small airport may be limited, so stock up on a book, or download movies or music to your devices. It is also useful to study your rights as a passenger and the terms of your travel insurance in advance.