Juanda International Airport

Juanda International Airport (SUB) is not merely the air gateway to Indonesia's second-largest city, Surabaya, but also one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country. Named after the last Prime Minister of Indonesia, Djuanda Kartawidjaja, this airport serves as a vital transport centre for all of East Java. It handles hundreds of flights daily, connecting the metropolis with dozens of cities across Indonesia and beyond, playing a key role in national and international logistics.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Juanda Airport consists of two modern terminals that efficiently manage passenger flows. Terminal 1 serves the majority of domestic flights, while Terminal 2 specialises in all international destinations and flights by specific national carriers. This organisation makes navigating the airport intuitively simple. The main terminal building is a spacious three-storey structure equipped with 11 aerobridges for comfortable passenger boarding and disembarking.

Juanda serves as a base airport for leading Indonesian airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and Lion Air, ensuring an extensive route network at affordable rates. For transit passengers, there is a hotel located within the airport grounds, and the developed transport infrastructure, including buses and taxis, allows for easy access to the centre of Surabaya and other key locations in the region. Due to its strategic importance, the airport is included in the "ASEAN Open Skies" programme, which contributes to its further development as a major international hub.

• Official website: www.juanda-airport.com
• Information desk phone: +62 31 2986200 or 172 (unified contact centre).
• Address: Jl. Ir. H. Juanda, Betro, Kecamatan Sedati, Kabupaten Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur 61253, Indonesia.
• Email: cc172@ap1.co.id (general support service of the airport operator).
• Social media: You can follow airport news on Instagram (@juanda_airport) and X (formerly Twitter) (@ap_juanda).
• Lost and Found: If luggage is lost during a flight, you should first contact your airline's Lost & Found service. For items left behind within the terminal building, you may contact the general airport phone number.
• Customer Service: For enquiries and assistance, please contact the information desk numbers or speak to staff at the information counters within the airport terminals.

Reaching Juanda International Airport from the city of Surabaya can be done in several ways, allowing travellers to choose the most convenient option based on budget and preferences. The airport has good transport links with the city and its surrounding areas.

The most economical method is to use Damri bus services. This is a state-owned bus company that organises routes connecting the airport with key points in the city, including the main Purabaya (Bungurasih) bus terminal and other districts. Taking the bus is an excellent option for budget-conscious tourists; however, please note that travel time may take around 60-90 minutes or more due to stops and heavy city traffic.

For those who value comfort and speed, the best choice would be taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab, which are very popular in Indonesia. It is recommended to use official taxi counters at the airport or mobile apps to ensure a fixed and fair price. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, though more time may be required during peak hours. This option is significantly more expensive than the bus but provides the convenience of door-to-door service.

If you prefer to manage your own time, you can rent a car. Representatives of both local and international rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. This is convenient if you plan to travel around the East Java region. However, be prepared for heavy traffic and left-hand driving. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles, short-term and long-term parking zones are available.

When planning your trip, consider that Juanda Airport is a major transport hub for the region. From here, you can also reach other cities that have their own airports, such as Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport in Malang or Dhoho International Airport in Kediri. Always allow extra time for the journey to the airport to avoid missing your flight due to potential traffic jams.

Juanda International Airport (SUB) consists of two main passenger terminals — Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). They are located some distance apart, so it is crucial to check with your airline in advance to confirm which terminal your flight departs from.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the primary hub for domestic flights within Indonesia. It is further divided into three concourses (1A, 1B, and 1C), serving different airlines. Although it is the older terminal, it is well-organised. Here you will find numerous cafes serving local cuisine, shops, and waiting areas. Arrivals and departures are located on different levels, simplifying navigation.

Terminal 2 (T2) serves all international flights, as well as some domestic flights, primarily operated by Garuda Indonesia and AirAsia. This terminal is more modern and spacious. Passengers have access to duty-free shops, business lounges, restaurants serving international cuisine, and comfortable waiting areas before departure.

Since the terminals are located several kilometres apart, a free shuttle bus runs between them. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes, but more time may be needed during peak hours. If you have a connecting flight involving a transfer between terminals, be sure to allow at least one hour for this.

Check-in and security procedures at Surabaya airport are standard. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. There are several stages of security checks: at the entrance to the terminal building and before entering the boarding gate. Follow the signs in Indonesian and English — they will help you easily orient yourself and find the necessary check-in counters, security zones, or boarding gates.

The history of Juanda International Airport began long before its transformation into a major civil hub. Initially, it was built as a Naval Air Base for Indonesia and was officially opened on 12 August 1964. The airport received its name in honour of Djuanda Kartawidjaja, the country's last Prime Minister, who proposed the concept of Indonesia as a unified archipelago, which was of immense significance for transport development.

As the economic importance of Surabaya and the East Java region grew, the airport gradually began serving civil flights as well. However, the real breakthrough in its history occurred on 15 November 2006, when a new, modern passenger complex — Terminal 1 (T1) — was commissioned. This massive expansion allowed Juanda to become one of the most advanced and busiest airports in the country, capable of handling millions of passengers annually.

Rapid growth in passenger traffic demanded further expansion. In 2014, Terminal 2 (T2) was opened, located in the completely reconstructed old terminal building. Today, T2 specialises in serving international flights and flights of several key airlines, which has allowed for optimised logistics and significantly improved comfort for travellers.

Among the interesting facts about the airport's history is its unique combination of functions. It remains an important air base for the Indonesian Navy while coexisting with bustling civil aviation. Over the years of its existence, Juanda Airport has set numerous records for passenger traffic, becoming the second busiest in Indonesia after the capital's Soekarno-Hatta Airport, and has repeatedly received international awards for high service quality.

Juanda International Airport in Surabaya offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminals, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can try both local Indonesian dishes and familiar international snacks. Numerous coffee shops will help you perk up before your flight. For those wishing to spend time shopping, Duty Free shops are open, as well as souvenir stalls where you can buy gifts and memorabilia.

For business travellers and those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport. Waiting areas are equipped with special zones featuring power outlets for charging electronic devices. Passengers requiring more comfortable conditions for work or rest can utilise the services of VIP lounges and business lounges. These offer a secluded atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and sometimes even access to office equipment and meeting rooms.

Juanda Airport features several premium waiting lounges available to business class passengers as well as holders of various loyalty programme cards. In some cases, access can be purchased for a fee. For financial matters, the terminals house bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where you can change money upon arrival or before departure.

The airport cares for the comfort of all passenger categories. For travellers with children, there are nursing rooms where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical centre for first aid. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms, as well as assistance services.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels are located directly on the airport grounds and in the immediate vicinity. This allows you to rest in a comfortable room without spending time travelling to the city. Hotels offer various levels of service, from budget options to more prestigious ones, allowing every traveller to find a suitable option.

At Juanda International Airport, passengers will find diverse dining options, from a quick snack to a full lunch or dinner. Food and beverage outlets are located in both terminals and offer both Indonesian and international cuisine.

Terminal 1 (domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (international flights) feature a wide selection of cafes and restaurants. Most are located in the departure zones, both landside (before security) and airside (after passport control and screening). In the arrival zones, the selection is usually more modest, limited to small coffee shops and snack points.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, the food courts are worth visiting. Here you can try popular Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Soto Ayam (chicken soup with turmeric), or Rawon (rich beef soup). This is a great opportunity to enjoy authentic flavours before your flight. For a quick snack, numerous coffee shops offering pastries and sandwiches, as well as famous fast-food chains, are ideal. For a full meal, it is better to choose one of the à la carte restaurants where you can enjoy your food without rushing.

Regarding special dietary needs, Halal dishes are very easy to find, as they are the standard for the majority of establishments in Indonesia. Vegetarians also have options available, mostly rice and vegetable-based dishes. Finding certified vegan or gluten-free dishes may be more challenging, so it is recommended to check ingredients with the staff. The price range varies: from budget options in food courts to higher prices in à la carte restaurants. Most establishments operate from early morning until late at night, and some outlets in the departure zone are open 24/7.

To ensure your journey through Juanda International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared some useful tips. By following these recommendations, you can avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

When to arrive at the airport? For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. Please consider that traffic conditions in Surabaya can be unpredictable, so it is better to allow extra travel time, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security Control: To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening area. Security procedures are standard, but queues can be long. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy.

Choosing a seat on the plane: If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, take advantage of this opportunity. Window seats offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the freedom to stand up without disturbing your neighbours.

Hand luggage rules: Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are permitted in hand luggage. Electronic devices such as laptops and tablets must be removed for separate scanning. Power banks are usually allowed but with capacity restrictions — check your airline's rules. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited.

Tips for transit passengers: Juanda Airport consists of two main terminals: T1 for most domestic flights and T2 for international and some Garuda Indonesia flights. A free shuttle bus runs between the terminals. If you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic one (or vice versa), check if you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs Control: Upon entering Indonesia, you must complete an electronic customs declaration (e-CD). This can be done online in advance. Honestly declare all goods exceeding duty-free limits to avoid fines. The importation of narcotic substances is punishable by the full severity of the law.

How to save time and money: Bring an empty reusable water bottle — after passing security, you can fill it at drinking fountains. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are higher than in the city. If you have time, have a snack before arriving. For travel to/from the airport, compare prices between official taxis and popular Asian ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek).

What to do if your flight is delayed: First, contact your airline representative to find out the flight status and any services you are entitled to (meals, accommodation). Check the terms of your travel insurance. The airport has cafes, shops, and business lounges where you can comfortably spend time while waiting for your flight.