Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS)

Fatmawati Soekarno Airport (BKS) serves as the primary aviation gateway to Bengkulu, a coastal city on the southwest coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Named after the inaugural First Lady of Indonesia, who was a native of Bengkulu, the airport is situated approximately 14 kilometers southeast of the city center. It plays a crucial role in connecting the relatively isolated Bengkulu province with major Indonesian hubs like Jakarta, facilitating both business travel and the regional movement of goods. The airport features a modern passenger terminal that was officially inaugurated in 2017 to replace older, smaller facilities. This 12,000-square-meter terminal was designed with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic and currently has the capacity to handle over 1.5 million passengers annually. It is equipped with 12 check-in counters, three departure gates, and two jetbridges, which significantly improve the boarding process for larger aircraft. Future development plans aim to further expand this capacity to over five million passengers, potentially paving the way for international services. Inside the terminal, passengers have access to a variety of amenities designed for comfort and convenience. The facility includes a diverse food court and several cafes, many of which specialize in renowned Sumatran coffee and local Indonesian delicacies. For those needing a quieter space, an executive break room is available, along with essential services such as free Wi-Fi, disabled-accessible toilets, and a dedicated mother and child room. Most retail and dining options are located in the landside area before security, though basic services are also available in the airside departure lounge. The airport's layout is exceptionally straightforward, with all domestic operations contained within a single building, making navigation easy for first-time visitors. Ground transportation is well-organized, with a journey to the Bengkulu city center typically taking between 25 and 40 minutes. Travelers can choose from official airport taxis, minivans, or ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek. Additionally, the state-run DAMRI shuttle buses provide an affordable connection to the city, while ample vehicle parking is located just a short walk from the terminal entrance.