3 Fun Facts Of Labuan Bajo Airport To Know Before Your Arrival

The Labuan Bajo Airport is also known as the Komodo Airport. Well, both names are basically not different as the airport is indeed located in city of Labuan Bajo, the District of West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara.

The location of the airport is not exactly on Komodo Island. Yes, it is on Flores Island, not too far from the iconic Island of Komodo. Previously, the airport was not managed by the government of Indonesia. It worked under the regulation of 2 private companies. They are Cardig Aero Services and Changi Airports Mena Pte Ltd. The last company is from Singapore.

After being under the management of private companies for 25 years, the Indonesian government took possession of it in 2015. There have been some changes and improvements after that including the size and design.

If you are interested in visiting Komodo Island by flight, of course, you must arrive at this airport first. It is before the tour guide brings you to cross the strait to enter the island. That’s why it is a very good idea to know some facts about the airport. What are they?

The Improvement of the Airport Design

After the acquisition by the government, there are some enhancements in the body of the airport. They lengthen the runway from 2,450 meters x 45 meters to 2,650 meters x 45 meters.

Based on the statement from the Minister of Transportation, Budi Karya Sumadi, the government also beautifies the layout and design of the airport, particularly in the area of the terminal hall. This area widens up to 1,500 meters square. Meanwhile, the building is adorned with the Komodo silhouette and the Wae Rebo traditional house.

It is reasonable if the government puts effort into widening and beautifying the airport. As a support for tourism on Komodo Island, the means of transportation must also improve. If the airport is bigger and better, it is expected to load more passengers who want to visit Komodo Island via flights.

The new layout of Labuan Bajo Airport can load more than 1 million tourists per year. This is to support the government’s program to include Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island as one of the “New Bali” tourist destinations.

Compatible with Any Type of Plane

The runway of the Labuan Bajo airport has been lengthened. It gives many benefits including compatibility with any type of plan. According to the director of the airports of the Transportation Ministry, even the Boeing 737 Plane with a maximum weight can land optimally at the airport.

The same thing is when the plane takes off. There will be no problem at all since the runway condition has been ideal for such planes to do so. When the runway is compatible with any type of plane, it means the Labuan Bajo Airport can serve international routes properly.

Aside from the weight thing, the new runway is also compatible with all types of planes no matter the width of their body. It serves planes whether they have a narrow or wide body. To make it compatible with planes with the wide body even more, there is a plan to add more of around 100 meters to the runway.

Tourist Attractions are Around

The main purpose of arriving at Labuan Bajo Airport is to visit Komodo Island. But if you are not in a rush, a good idea is to visit some tourist attractions at the airport. Some attractions around the airport are Bukit Cinta, Puncak Waringin, Labuan Bajo Waterfront, and Goa Batu Cermin.

Bukit Cinta literally means the Hill of Love, it is also known as Sylvia Hill. If you climb to the top, you will see the beauty of Labuan Bajo along with its hills, some small islands around, and the outlay of the blue sea. Don’t worry, the hill is quite easy for hiking and it is also recommended for beginners.

The next destination is Puncak Waringin or Waringin Top. It is the best place to enjoy twilight in Labuan Bajo. Almost similar to Bukit Cinta, it is a kind of hill with a viewpoint on the top. The sunset scenery seen from this area is very magnificent. Sure, it is just romantic to spend your time here with your loved ones. Labuan Bajo Waterfront is a Waterfront located in the area of Marina Beach. Because of its beauty and uniqueness, it became the new icon of Labuan Bajo. As a public space, there are benches surrounded by parks where you can enjoy your spare time in Labuan Bajo. Well, don’t forget to bring snacks and drinks here. More importantly, throw trash in the cans provided.

Do you still have more time in Labuan Bajo? Well, Goa Batu Cermin is the last attraction not to miss. Goa Batu Cermin is a cave that was formed naturally by fossils of sea creatures. Based on some information gathered, the formation of the cave proves that many years ago, Labuan Bajo was placed at the bottom of the sea.