Kualanamu International Airport

Kualanamu International Airport (IATA: KNO, ICAO: WIMM) is the main airport serving Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Situated in Deli Serdang Regency, about 26 km east of Medan city centre, it is one of Indonesia’s largest and most modern airports. The airport is managed by PT Angkasa Pura II and serves as a key aviation gateway for North Sumatra and the western region of Indonesia.

Kualanamu International Airport replaced the congested Polonia International Airport. Since its opening in 2013, it has emerged as a major hub for domestic and regional flights, offering seamless connectivity across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and major Indonesian cities.

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History

Kualanamu International Airport was conceptualized to address safety concerns and capacity constraints at Medan’s former Polonia Airport. Construction began in 2006, and the airport began full operations on 25 July 2013. The new airport was designed with advanced infrastructure, allowing for future expansion and international routes. With a large runway and modern facilities, Kualanamu aims to become a premier international hub in western Indonesia.

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Location

• Address: Jalan Bandara Kuala Namu, Beringin, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Indonesia
• Distance from Medan: ~26 km
• Region: Deli Serdang Regency
• Coordinates: 3°38′43″N 98°53′8″E

The airport is conveniently connected to Medan through road networks and Indonesia’s first airport railway service.

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Facilities

Terminal

Kualanamu operates a single, spacious passenger terminal equipped with:

• Domestic and international departure halls
• Check-in counters and self-check-in kiosks
• Immigration and customs facilities
• Baggage claim and sorting systems
• Premium airport lounges (Garuda Indonesia Lounge, Saphire Lounge, Concordia Lounge)
• Free Wi-Fi and information desks
• Travel agencies, ticket counters, and hotel reservation desks

Passenger Amenities

The airport offers a wide range of amenities including:

• Duty-free shops and retail stores
• Restaurants, cafés, and fast-food outlets
• Currency exchange and ATMs
• Medical services and first-aid clinic
• Prayer rooms
• Baby changing facilities
• Baggage wrapping, porter, and luggage storage

Airport Hotel

• Horison Sky Kualanamu Hotel, located within the terminal, caters to transit passengers and business travellers.

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Airlines and Destinations

Domestic

Kualanamu Airport connects Medan to major Indonesian cities such as:

• Jakarta
• Surabaya
• Denpasar (Bali)
• Yogyakarta
• Batam
• Pekanbaru
• Banda Aceh
• Padang
• Palembang

Domestic airlines operating include Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, Super Air Jet, and Wings Air.

International

Kualanamu hosts regular international flights to:

• Kuala Lumpur
• Penang
• Singapore
• Jeddah
• Madinah

Airlines include AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, Scoot, and Saudia.

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Runway and Technical Specifications

• Runway: 05/23
• Length: 3,750 m
• Surface: Asphalt
• ILS: CAT II Instrument Landing System
• Apron Capacity: Accommodates wide-body aircraft including Airbus A330 and Boeing 777

The airport also includes cargo handling areas, maintenance facilities, and air traffic control systems equipped to support growing operations.

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Ground Transportation

Airport Rail Link (Railink)

Kualanamu is served by Indonesia’s first airport railway:

• Route: Kualanamu ↔ Medan Railway Station
• Travel Time: 28–30 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes
  This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Medan city centre.

Taxi Services

Available at the terminal exit:

• Official airport taxis
• Online ride-hailing pickup zones (Grab, Gojek)
• Fixed-rate and metered options available

Car Rentals

Car rental counters inside the terminal offer:

• Self-drive and chauffeur services
• Brands including TRAC, Golden Bird, and Eazy Rent

Bus Services

Buses provide affordable access to:

• Medan City
• Binjai
• Tebing Tinggi
• Berastagi
• Lake Toba (via connecting buses)
  Operated mainly by DAMRI and other private operators.

Private Transfers

Pre-booked hotel shuttles and private cars are available for groups and tourists.

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How to Reach Kualanamu International Airport

From Medan

• Train: 30 minutes via Railink
• Taxi/Grab: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic
• Bus: 60–90 minutes

From Lake Toba

• Bus: 4–5 hours
• Private car: 3–3.5 hours

From Binjai

• Bus or taxi: 60–90 minutes

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Future Development

Kualanamu Airport is part of a long-term development plan to enhance capacity and services. Future upgrades include:

• Terminal expansion
• Development of the Kualanamu Aerocity Project
• Increased international route options
• Additional cargo and logistics facilities

These improvements aim to position Kualanamu as a strategic international hub in the ASEAN region.

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See Also

• Medan
• North Sumatra Tourism
• Airports in Indonesia
• Angkasa Pura II

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Conclusion

Kualanamu International Airport stands as one of Indonesia’s most modern gateways, providing efficient services, integrated transport access, and excellent passenger facilities. Whether for domestic travel within Indonesia or international journeys across Asia and the Middle East, the airport offers a comfortable and convenient experience for all travellers.