Rembele Airport

Rembele Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the coffee heart of Indonesia. Located amidst the picturesque highlands of the Aceh province, this air harbour welcomes travellers with cool mountain air and breathtaking views. It is here that your introduction to the fascinating culture of the Gayo people and the famous Lake Laut Tawar begins, while the modern terminal makes your arrival as comfortable as possible.

Airport Features and Highlights

The main pride of Rembele is its new passenger terminal, opened in 2016. The building combines modern architectural solutions with elements of the traditional Gayo style, creating a special atmosphere of cosiness. Inside, travellers will find a spacious and bright hall which, despite its compact size, ensures a high level of comfort and an absence of queues.

Another important feature is its strategic location. The airport is situated on a plateau at an altitude of about 1,300 metres above sea level. This provides a unique experience during landing: the aircraft literally manoeuvres between green hills and coffee plantations. For tourists, this is an ideal starting point, as the journey to the city of Takengon takes less than an hour along a scenic route.

Finding direct contacts for a small regional airport like Rembele Airport (TXE) can be challenging. Most issues are resolved through the airlines operating the flights. Below is the main information that may be useful for travellers.

• Official Website: Rembele Airport does not have its own official website. We recommend checking the current schedule and flight status on the websites of airlines flying to Takengon, or on global flight tracking services.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no publicly available phone number for the airport information desk. For all questions related to your flight, tickets, or special services, please contact your airline's call centre directly.
• Airport Address: Jl. Bandara Rembele, Gampong Bale Atu, Kecamatan Bukit, Kabupaten Bener Meriah, Aceh, Indonesia. The airport serves the city of Takengon, although it is administratively located in the neighbouring Bener Meriah regency.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should immediately contact the Lost & Found counter or your airline representative at the arrival airport.
• Passenger Support and Social Media: There are no specialised support services or official social media pages maintained for the airport. All communication regarding travel is best conducted through the official channels (website, call centre, social media) of the carrier airline.

You can get to Rembele Airport (TXE) from the city centre of Takengon in several ways, suitable for different budgets and comfort levels. The trip generally does not take much time, allowing you to reach your flight quickly and conveniently.

The most popular and convenient option is a taxi or online ride-hailing service (such as Grab or Gojek, which are widely used in Indonesia). The journey from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. This is a reliable way to travel without transfers, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The cost will be moderate, and booking via an app guarantees a fixed price.

For more budget-conscious travellers, there are local forms of public transport, such as bemo (minibuses) or ojeks (motorcycle taxis). Although there may not be a direct public transport route right to the terminal, they can get you into the immediate vicinity of the airport. This option is significantly cheaper but may be less comfortable and require more time and independent route planning.

If you prefer maximum freedom of movement, it is worth considering car rental. In Takengon, you can rent a car either with a driver or without. This is an ideal choice for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings before or after their flight. For travellers arriving by private or rented car, parking is available at Rembele Airport where you can safely leave your vehicle for the duration of your trip.

Rembele Airport (TXE) is a small and compact aviation hub serving domestic flights. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles the entire flow of travellers. Thanks to its modest size, navigating here is very easy, and you won't have to worry about long walks or complex layouts.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple and intuitive. All necessary zones are combined in one building. Upon entering, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, followed by a small waiting hall with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is also straightforward: it consists of a separate hall where baggage claim takes place.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. All procedures — from check-in to boarding the aircraft — take place within a single building. This saves significant time and makes the journey less stressful, especially for those flying from Takengon for the first time.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Rembele Airport usually takes a minimum amount of time. Check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least one hour before departure to go through all procedures and check in luggage without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry. It is virtually impossible to get lost at Rembele Airport. All key zones are within sight of each other, and the few signs will help you orient yourself. Airport staff are always ready to help and point you in the right direction.

The history of Rembele Airport (TXE) is a vivid example of how a small airstrip can turn into an important transport hub that changes the life of an entire region. Initially, it was a modest airfield, known as "pioneer" (perintis), which served only small propeller planes and provided basic connectivity to the remote mountainous Gayo region.

A key turning point in the airport's history occurred in the early 2010s when the government of Indonesia and local authorities launched a large-scale project to modernise it. The main goal was to stimulate the economy and tourism in the central part of the Aceh province, known worldwide for its coffee. The project involved significant expansion and the construction of new infrastructure.

The grand opening of the renovated airport took place on 2 March 2016 in the presence of the country's president. During the reconstruction, the runway was extended from 1,400 to 2,250 metres, allowing it to accommodate medium-haul jet aircraft such as the Boeing 737. In addition, a new passenger terminal with an area of about 1,000 square metres was built, which significantly increased comfort for passengers.

Today, Rembele Airport plays a strategic role for the city of Takengon and the surrounding areas. It has not only simplified logistics for local residents but also opened up new opportunities for exporting the famous Gayo coffee and attracted tourists to the region wishing to enjoy the beauty of Lake Laut Tawar and the unique highland culture.

Rembele Airport (TXE) offers passengers a basic but functional set of services consistent with its status as a regional transport hub. In the terminal building, you will find several small cafés and eateries where you can have a snack before your flight, drink the famous local coffee, or purchase refreshments. Shopping opportunities are modest: typically, there are a few kiosks offering essentials, snacks, and local souvenirs.

For a comfortable wait for your flight, there is a general hall with sufficient seating. Specialised VIP lounges or business lounges are likely absent at the airport. Passengers may be provided with access to free Wi-Fi, although its speed may be unstable. There are power outlets in the terminal for charging electronic devices, but their number is limited, so it is better to have a portable power bank with you just in case.

Among other amenities, Rembele Airport has a medical point for first aid and, typically, a mother and child room. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance during boarding and disembarking — for this, you must notify your airline in advance. Regarding financial services, an ATM may be installed at the airport, but full-service bank branches and currency exchange points are absent. It is recommended to arrange currency exchange before arriving at the airport.

There are no hotels located directly on the airport grounds. The nearest hotels and guesthouses are in the city of Takengon, which can be reached by car in approximately 45-60 minutes. There are no specialised conference rooms or business centres at Rembele Airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving passenger flights within Indonesia.

Rembele Airport (TXE) is a small regional air station, so the choice of catering establishments here is quite modest, but sufficient for a snack before departure. Most cafés and kiosks are located in the general hall before the security zone (landside), so it is better to refresh yourself before passing through security control.

The main gastronomic pride of the region, which is a must-try, is the famous Gayo coffee. In several small coffee shops at the airport, you can enjoy a cup of this aromatic drink, known all over the world. Besides coffee, they offer simple and hearty Halal Indonesian dishes, such as nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles), as well as various pastries and sandwiches for a quick bite.

For a full meal, it is better to choose one of the cafés in the main terminal area. If you are short on time, a coffee with a local dessert or a sandwich would be the ideal option. After passing security (airside), the choice is usually limited to a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks. Prices at Rembele Airport are quite reasonable, especially compared to major international hubs.

It is worth noting that specialised dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, may be present in very limited quantities or absent altogether. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, and they may be closed during quiet periods.

Travelling through Rembele Airport (TXE) in the city of Takengon will be easier and more pleasant if you follow a few useful tips. Given its small size, there are rarely huge queues here like in the metropolises of Indonesia, but the infrastructure is also more modest, which requires some preparation.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the compactness of the airport, arrive in advance — at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security screening without haste, which usually goes quite quickly here. To speed up the process, check in for your flight online if your airline provides such a service.

Seat Selection and Carry-on Luggage. The Gayo region is famous for its stunning mountain landscapes. To enjoy them, choose a window seat when checking in. As for carry-on luggage, the rules are standard: liquids in containers no more than 100 ml, no sharp objects. Power banks are allowed only in carry-on luggage — check the power capacity limits with the carrier in advance. The famous local coffee is best put in checked luggage to avoid questions regarding weight and volume.

Transfers and Customs. Rembele Airport mainly serves direct flights to major hubs, for example, to Medan. If you have a complex itinerary with a transfer, allocate enough time for it (at least 2-3 hours), especially if you are flying with different airlines and require baggage re-check. Customs control is practically absent here, as flights are domestic, so passengers only undergo standard pre-flight screening.

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, book flight tickets and transfers to/from the airport in advance. Prices for food and drinks in the terminal may be higher, so bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after the security zone. In case of a flight delay (which is possible due to weather conditions in the mountains), immediately contact an airline representative to find out about the flight status and your rights to compensation (meals, drinks). A charged power bank and an interesting book will help pass the waiting time.