Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (IATA: UPG, ICAO: WAAA) is a major international airport serving the city of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Located in Maros Regency, approximately 20 km northeast of Makassar city centre, the airport is one of the busiest in Indonesia and acts as a strategic aviation hub for eastern Indonesia. It is named in honour of Sultan Hasanuddin, the 17th-century King of Gowa known for his leadership against colonial expansion.

Operated by PT Angkasa Pura I, the airport offers modern passenger facilities, extensive domestic connections, and select international routes that cater to tourists, business travellers, and transit passengers.

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History

The airport traces its origin to the 1930s as a military airfield during Dutch colonial administration. Over time, it transitioned into a civil aviation facility. With rising demand for air travel in eastern Indonesia, a completely new and modern terminal was officially opened in 2008, replacing the older building and significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. The design incorporates cultural influences from Bugis and Makassar heritage.

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Location

• Address: Jl. Airport No. 1, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Distance from Makassar: 20 km
• Coordinates: 5°03′41″S, 119°33′15″E

Situated along Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan, the airport is easily accessible from Makassar and surrounding districts.

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Terminals

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport operates a single integrated terminal serving both domestic and international flights. The terminal is divided into separate operational sections.

Domestic Section

• Handles the majority of flights within Indonesia
• Spacious departure hall and check-in counters
• Numerous boarding gates and security lanes
• Retail shops and dining outlets

International Section

• Immigration and customs services
• Duty-free shopping
• International dining options and traveller essentials
• Waiting lounges and prayer rooms

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Airlines and Destinations

Domestic Airlines

• Garuda Indonesia
• Citilink
• Lion Air
• Batik Air
• Super Air Jet

Popular Domestic Destinations

• Jakarta (CGK/HLP)
• Surabaya (SUB)
• Bali – Denpasar (DPS)
• Balikpapan (BPN)
• Jayapura (DJJ)
• Manado (MDC)
• Kendari (KDI)
• Ambon (AMQ)

International Routes

The airport offers connections to regional cities such as:

• Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore
• Jeddah (seasonal Hajj/Umrah operations)
• Medina (seasonal)

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Facilities

Passenger Services

• Information counters
• Free Wi-Fi
• Lost and found services
• Baggage handling and wrapping
• Left-luggage counters
• Medical clinic and first-aid centre

Shopping and Dining

• Duty-free stores (international zone)
• Souvenir shops with local crafts
• Coffee shops, fast food outlets, bakeries
• Indonesian and international restaurants

Lounges

Multiple airline and independent lounges offer:

• Comfortable seating
• Complimentary food and beverages
• Charging points
• Business facilities

Special Services

• Prayer rooms (Musholla)
• Wheelchair support and assistance services
• Baby care rooms
• Smoking lounges

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Transportation

How to Reach Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport

Travellers have several convenient options to reach the airport from Makassar and nearby cities:

1. Taxi

• Widely available throughout Makassar
• Official taxi counters at arrivals
• Metered or fixed-rate fares depending on the company

2. Ride-Hailing Apps

• Grab and Gojek are the most commonly used
• Dedicated pickup zones outside arrival areas

3. Airport Bus

• DAMRI buses operate regular routes between Makassar city centre and the airport
• Affordable fares
• Luggage storage available

4. Car Rentals

• Both local and international rental companies operate at the terminal

5. Private Car / Motorcycle

• Accessible via Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan
• Ample parking for short-term and long-term visitors
• Motorcycle taxis (ojek) available through apps

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Runway and Technical Specifications

• Runway: 03/21
• Length: 3,100 m
• Surface: Asphalt
• Capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as Airbus A330 and Boeing 777
• Modern air traffic control tower
• Cargo handling facilities and apron parking spaces

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Passenger Traffic

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport serves millions of passengers annually, ranking among Indonesia’s busiest airports. It functions as a major connecting hub for flights to Sulawesi, Maluku, Papua, and other eastern regions.

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Expansion and Future Development

Ongoing development plans include:

• Construction of a new larger terminal building
• Improved baggage systems
• More commercial and retail spaces
• Increased annual passenger capacity

These upgrades aim to strengthen Makassar’s role as a key aviation gateway to eastern Indonesia.

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Conclusion

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport is a vital transportation hub connecting Makassar with destinations across Indonesia and internationally. Modern facilities, growing connectivity, and easy ground transport make it a traveller-friendly airport. Continued infrastructure enhancements ensure that the airport remains ready to meet future passenger demands.