Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - The South Kalimantan Provincial Government announced that Syamsudin Noor Airport regained international airport status as was decided by Minister of Transportation.
Head of South Kalimantan Transportation Office M Fitri Hernadi said that it was the results of synergy between the provincial government through Transportation Office, the state airport operator Angkasa Pura, and related agencies in air transportation sector.
“It was not easy. The process involved several ministries, including Ministry of Defence, Agriculture, Immigration, Health and Finance. Alhamdulillah, with solid coordination, we can regain international status for Syamsudin Noor Airport,” he said here on Monday.
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Syamsudin Noor Airport had previously changed in status to domestic airport in April 2024, but then recovered the status after Transportation Minister issued a decree Number 30 of 2025 on June 4, 2025.
The return of this status, he pointed out, opens up a great opportunity to drive various economic, trade, and tourism sectors in South Kalimantan.
The regional government is given 24 months to prepare international airline services and operations to and from Syamsudin Noor Airport.
“We continue to coordinate with Angkasa Pura, communicate with a number of airlines. It is hoped that in the next three months, we have international flights operating, not only for umroh trips,” he added.
The provincial government also emphasized its commitment to fulfill the expectation of the people of South Kalimantan, especially in providing direct flight to Jeddah and Madinah, so there is no need to transit in other cities.
“We also hope to immediately open routes to neighboring countries, such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapora, and Brunei Darussalam, so that the mobility of residents and business actors is easier and faster,” said Hernadi.
With its international status, Syamsudin Noor Airport is expected to become the gateway for South Kalimantan to international world, encouraging inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
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