Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport

Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (IATA: UPG, ICAO: WAAA) is an international airport serving Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is located 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Makassar's city centre and is operated by PT. Angkasa Pura I. The current terminal was opened on 20 August 2008. The airport is the main gateway for flights to the eastern part of Indonesia, and named after Sultan Hasanuddin (1631–1670), a Sultan of Gowa, who fought against the Dutch East India Company in the 1660s.
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport acts as a hub for the other nearby regional airports in a hub-and-spokes air transport model. The Sumarorong Airport (Bandar Udara Sumarorong in Indonesian language) in Sumarorong is the nearest airport an hour's flight away which previusly required 8 hours of mountainous overland travel.
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport is located on the border of Makassar and Maros, a suburb in South Sulawesi, approximately 15 minutes 20 km (12 mi) from Makassar city via freeway/tollway or 20 minutes 23 km (14 mi) via highway.
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, formerly known as Kadieng Airport, has a rich history dating back to its inauguration on 27 September 1937. Initially operated by the Dutch aviation company KNILM with the Douglas DC-2 aircraft, the airport played a crucial role in connecting regions across Indonesia. During the Japanese colonial period, the airport underwent significant upgrades, transitioning its runway from grass to concrete and expanding its capacity. Renamed Mandai Airport, it served as a vital hub, witnessing extensive reconstruction efforts by the Allies in 1945 to meet the demands of the time. Remarkably, this expansion saw the involvement of approximately 4000 workers, many of whom were former Japanese prisoners of war. Upon Indonesia's independence in 1950, the airport came under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Bureau, marking a new phase in its development. Over the years, it evolved into a bustling center facilitating travel between the western and eastern parts of Indonesia.
In 1955, management transitioned to the Bureau of Civil Aviation, later known as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, signaling a commitment to modernization and growth. This era witnessed significant expansions, including the lengthening of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft. In 1980, the airport was renamed Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, honoring the esteemed figure. Subsequent upgrades, including further runway extensions and the designation as an embarkation point for Hajj pilgrims, solidified its status as a crucial transportation hub. The turning point came in 1994 when the Ministry of Transportation officially recognized Sultan Hasanuddin Airport as an international airport. This pivotal decision heralded a new era of increased passenger traffic and international recognition, positioning the airport as a key gateway to Indonesia. The first international route, connecting Makassar to Kuala Lumpur, commenced operations on March 28, 1995, operated by Malaysia Airlines. This was followed by Silk Air launching its route from Makassar to Singapore.
This airport has also received the title of the three best airports in Indonesia by winning awards in 2011 and also awards as the airport with the best service and the cleanest toilets. The highest award in 2012 received an award from the Ministry of Transportation in the Airport Award as the best airport.
The old terminal was shut down completely after the opening of the new terminal in 2008. By 2018, the old terminal has been demolished.
The current terminal is located just south of the old terminal. This terminal has the capacity to handle 7 million passengers and in 2010 served 5 million. The terminal is five times larger than the old terminal, and includes six aerobridges. This is the first airport terminal in Indonesia designed in a high-tech architectural style.
The terminal expansion is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in mid-2021. The terminal will be 3 times larger and can accommodate around 15 million passengers. Several aerobridges will be added for Domestic and International Flights.
Going forward, Sultan Hasanuddin Makassar Airport which is managed by PT Angkasa Pura I will continue to be developed to the ultimate stage, where the development is divided into four stages.
After Phase I development began earlier this year, Phase II development will begin in 2024 where at this stage passenger capacity will increase to 21 million passengers per year and parking stand capacity to 47 parking stands.
Phase III development will begin in 2034 with an increase in terminal capacity to 30.8 million passengers per year with 64 parking stands. Meanwhile, Phase IV development will begin in 2044 with an ultimate terminal capacity of up to 40 million passengers per year with 78 parking stands.
There will be dedicated international terminal and an elevated departure drop off, a parking building. The grand design of the terminal is based on butterfly.
Since the beginning of the new millennium, passenger numbers have increased more than sixfold. Historically air freight traffic has played a minor role in Makassar from an economic standpoint. It has developed slowly in part due to the relatively high license fee by the operator, currently 25 rupiah per kg of body construction and 15 rupiah per kg for the goods introduction.
Shuttle airport buses operated by Perum DAMRI serve several destinations from Sultan Hasanuddin Airport.
Taxi and shuttle services are available through several companies.
The airport is also used by the Indonesian Air Force.