Soekarno-Hatta International Airport: The Gateway to Indonesia’s Capital
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), also known as SHIA or Soetta, serves as the primary aviation hub for the Jakarta metropolitan area on the island of Java. Named after Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, and first vice-president, Mohammad Hatta, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the nation’s economy and international connectivity.
Infrastructure and Strategic Location
Located in Tangerang, Banten, the airport officially opened on May 1, 1985. It is often referred to as Cengkareng by locals, a name derived from the subdistrict located to the northwest of the city, which is also the origin of its IATA code, CGK. The facility operates three primary runways to manage its high volume of traffic:
- 07R/25L: 12,008 feet (3,660 meters), concrete surface.
- 07L/25R: 11,811 feet (3,600 meters), asphalt concrete surface.
- 06/24: 9,843 feet (3,000 meters), asphalt concrete surface.
Terminal 3 Ultimate: Modernizing the Passenger Experience
To meet growing demand, the Terminal 3 Ultimate opened in 2016. This terminal emphasizes environmentally friendly architectural design and modern conveniences, providing a capacity to serve 25 million international passengers annually. Its facilities include:
- Flight Gates: 10 gates dedicated to international flights and 18 for domestic flights.
- Processing Power: 206 check-in counters, 38 self check-in kiosks, and 12 bag drop counters.
- Access: 59 aerobridges to facilitate efficient boarding.
Operational Impact and Statistics
As a central hub for several major carriers—including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Citilink—the airport handles massive traffic volumes. According to 2023 statistics, the airport recorded:
- Passengers: 49,080,532
- Aircraft Movements: 348,088
- Cargo: 578,621 metric tonnes
- Economic Impact: An estimated $5.1 billion with 705 thousand associated jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Primary Role: Main international gateway for the Jakarta metropolitan area.
- Key Hub: Serves as a base for major airlines like Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air.
- Modernization: Terminal 3 Ultimate significantly expanded international capacity to 25 million passengers.
- Scale: Managed by InJourney Airports and owned by the Government of Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IATA code for Soekarno-Hatta International Airport?
The IATA code is CGK, which originates from Cengkareng, the subdistrict where the airport is located.
Where exactly is the airport located?
While it serves Jakarta, the airport is physically located in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia.
When did the airport first open?
The airport officially opened on May 1, 1985.
Related reading