Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport

Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport is a distinctive aerial gateway opening its doors to the world of pristine nature and the rich traditions of Sumbawa Island. Located virtually within the city limits, it welcomes guests not with the hustle and bustle of a metropolis, but with a relaxed rhythm and views of green hills visible right from the aircraft steps. It is the ideal starting point for those dreaming of ascending the legendary Mount Tambora or seeking seclusion in the protected waters of Moyo Island.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its compact size, Sumbawa's air harbour, following recent modernisation, offers travellers a decent level of comfort and unique benefits.

• Unique proximity to the city. The airport is located at a phenomenally close distance to the centre of Sumbawa Besar. The journey to most hotels or the business centre takes just a few minutes, allowing you to save your budget on transfers.
• Authentic architecture. The new terminal, opened after reconstruction, is designed with elements of the traditional "Sumbawa house" style, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture immediately upon arrival.
• No queues. The small passenger flow guarantees a quick passage through all formalities. There are no exhausting queues at check-in or security, making the start of your journey calm and pleasant.
• Scenic landing. The approach for landing often passes over the azure waters of Saleh Bay, gifting passengers seated by the windows with breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and mountain ranges.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ).

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate website. Up-to-date information can be found on the airport's page on the Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia portal.
• Information Desk Phone: +62 371 21160
• Address: Jl. Garuda No.1, Labuan Badas, Sumbawa, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia.
• Email: bandarasumbawa@yahoo.co.id
• Social Media: Official social media accounts for the airport are currently unavailable. Please use verified sources of information.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to first contact your airline's representative directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and support, please contact the main airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) from the city of Sumbawa Besar is quite simple, as it is located very close to the centre. The journey takes minimal time, and the choice of transport allows you to find an option for any budget. Depending on your preferences, luggage, and desire to immerse yourself in local colour, you can choose one of the following methods.

Taxis and Online Services. This is the most convenient and popular way to get to the airport. Taxis can be found in the city or ordered through your hotel. The trip from the centre of Sumbawa Besar to the terminal will take only about 10–15 minutes. It is recommended to agree on the price in advance if the car does not have a meter. An even more convenient option is to use mobile transport apps such as Gojek or Grab, which are very popular in Indonesia. This allows you to immediately see the cost of the trip, which is usually very affordable.

Public Transport. For the most economical and adventurous travellers, local modes of transport exist. You can try to catch a "bemo" — a route minibus. It is cheap, but they do not have a clear route to the airport, so be prepared for transfers and communicating with locals. A faster option is an "ojek", or motorcycle taxi. This is the ideal choice for a solo traveller with a small backpack, allowing you to quickly and inexpensively reach the terminal while feeling part of the local traffic.

Car or Motorbike Rental. If you plan to actively explore Sumbawa Island, renting your own transport can be an excellent solution. There are several rental points in the city where you can hire a car or scooter. This gives complete freedom of movement and makes it easy to get to the airport at the right time. Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle for a short or long term. Please note that traffic in Indonesia can be chaotic, so driving experience in Asia is desirable for car rentals.

In general, for most tourists with luggage, the optimal choice will be a taxi or pre-booked transfer. It is inexpensive, fast, and saves you from unnecessary hassle. If you are travelling light and want to save money, do not be afraid to use the services of an "ojek" — it will not just be a ride, but a small adventure.

Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Its infrastructure is simple and intuitive, making your stay here comfortable and eliminating the stress associated with navigating large aviation hubs.

The airport consists of one compact terminal that serves both departing and arriving passengers. The building is functionally divided into several main zones: a public area with ticket counters and check-in desks, a departure area after security control, and an arrivals hall with a baggage claim area. Thanks to its small size and logical layout, navigating the terminal is very easy, and all key points are within walking distance of each other.

The Departure Zone is located immediately after the security checkpoint. Here you will find a small waiting hall with seating, from where passengers proceed to the boarding gates. Since the airport does not serve many flights simultaneously, confusion is excluded. The Arrival Zone is a separate hall where passengers enter immediately after disembarking from the aircraft. There is one baggage belt installed here, and after collecting your belongings, you can immediately exit to the taxi stand and parking lot.

Check-in and security procedures at Sumbawa Besar Airport usually proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before your flight departure to complete all formalities without rushing. For navigation, it is sufficient to follow the simple signs in Indonesian and English, but getting lost here is practically impossible.

The history of the airport in the city of Sumbawa Besar is a story of development and modernisation, reflecting the growing importance of Sumbawa Island in Indonesia. Initially, the air harbour was known as Brang Biji Airport and served as a modest but important transport hub connecting with other islands of the archipelago.

One of the most significant events in the airport's history was its renaming. In 2011, it was named after Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III. This was not just a change of name, but a tribute to the last, seventeenth Sultan of Sumbawa, who ruled before the integration of the Sultanate into Indonesia. This step emphasised the region's deep connection with its cultural and historical heritage.

With the growth of tourist flow and increased economic activity on the island, the need for expansion arose. The most important stage of modernisation was the construction of a new terminal, which was grandly opened in 2016. The new terminal allowed for a significant increase in capacity, improved passenger service quality, and created more comfortable conditions for travellers arriving to explore the beauties of Sumbawa.

Today, Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) represents a modern aerial gateway that continues to play a key role in the development of the island's tourism and economy. Its history is a vivid example of how infrastructure develops in response to growing interest in unique corners of our planet.

Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) is a small regional airport serving the city of Sumbawa Besar. The range of services here corresponds to its size and is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes and snack bars where you can drink coffee and have a snack of local cuisine. There are also several kiosks selling souvenirs, snacks, and daily necessities.

For passenger convenience, waiting areas are provided in the airport building. Although specialised VIP lounges are absent, the general halls are comfortable enough for a short stay. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi, although its speed may be unstable. It is recommended to carry a portable charger, as the number of power outlets for charging gadgets is limited. There are ATMs in the airport, but currency exchange points may be absent, so it is better to take care of exchanging money in advance.

The airport is equipped with basic facilities for passengers with special needs. There are ramps for convenient movement in wheelchairs. For additional assistance, such as escorting on board, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. For passengers with children, baby changing rooms are provided. Medical assistance is limited to a first aid post; in emergency cases, staff will call an ambulance from the city.

There are no hotels, conference halls, or business centres within the airport building itself. The nearest hotels and accommodation options are located in the city of Sumbawa Besar, situated a few kilometres from the airport. There you can also find all necessary business infrastructure for business travellers. You can get to the city by taxi or rented transport, the counters for which are located at the terminal exit.

Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is modest but sufficient to wait comfortably for your flight. Most options are concentrated in the general hall of the terminal, before passing security control (landside).

The basis of the offers consists of small local cafes and kiosks. You will not find international fast-food chains here, but you can get acquainted with authentic Indonesian cuisine. For a full meal, you can order freshly prepared dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice with chicken or vegetables) or mie goreng (fried noodles). For a quick snack, local snacks (kue), pastries, crisps, and, of course, aromatic Indonesian coffee are perfect.

Almost all food offered at the airport is Halal by default. Vegetarians will easily find options for themselves, for example, by asking to prepare rice or noodles with vegetables only (tanpa daging — "without meat"). However, for vegans and travellers with a gluten-free diet, the choice may be extremely limited, so for strict dietary needs, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Prices in establishments at Sumbawa Besar airport are quite democratic and not significantly inflated compared to city prices. The opening hours of cafes and kiosks are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open throughout the airport's operational day. This is a convenient place to eat inexpensively and heartily before a flight.

To ensure your journey through Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, nerves, and money during your adventure in Indonesia.

Arrival Time at the Airport: The airport in the city of Sumbawa Besar serves mainly domestic flights. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security screening without rushing.

Check-in and Screening: If possible, complete online check-in for your flight in advance — this will save you time at the airport. Screening procedures here are standard, but in small airports, they often go faster. Nevertheless, be prepared to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as remove electronics and liquids from your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane: Flights in this region often delight with scenic views. If you want to enjoy the panorama of the islands and the ocean from a height, choose a window seat. Consider the direction of flight and the position of the sun to avoid bright glare.

Hand Luggage: In hand luggage, liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Power banks and other batteries can only be carried in hand luggage. Ensure you do not have sharp objects, such as knives or scissors with long blades.

For Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check with your airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport. Leave a sufficient time margin between flights, especially if flying with different airlines.

Customs Control: When entering Indonesia through international airports, it is necessary to declare cash exceeding 100 million Indonesian Rupiah (or equivalent) and certain goods. Since Sumbawa Airport serves domestic flights, you will likely pass customs at your first airport of arrival in the country (for example, in Jakarta or Denpasar).

Saving Time and Money: Besides online check-in, travelling light helps save money by avoiding excess baggage fees. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, and light snacks — the selection in small airports may be limited.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (water, meals). Keep all receipts and documents if you have travel insurance covering such cases.