โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
PT Badak Bontang Airport (BXT), also known by its ICAO code WALC (formerly WRLC), is a private aviation facility located in Bontang, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Managed by PT Badak NGL, a subsidiary of the national energy company Pertamina, the airport is a critical piece of industrial infrastructure designed to support the massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations in the region. Situated just one kilometer from the city center, it provides a direct connection for specialized personnel, contractors, and corporate executives moving between Bontang and major Indonesian cities like Balikpapan and Jakarta.
The terminal facilities at BXT are tailored to the specific requirements of corporate and industrial travel, offering a streamlined and secure environment for passengers. While it lacks the public retail and extensive dining options of commercial airports, the terminal provides essential services including a professional check-in area, comfortable waiting lounges, and high-standard security screening. The facility is designed for high-efficiency processing of shift workers and business travelers, ensuring minimal wait times and a smooth transition to the nearby industrial complexes.
Operational infrastructure at Bontang includes a 1,900-meter asphalt runway (04/22) capable of accommodating regional aircraft such as the ATR-42 and Dash-7, which are frequently chartered for company operations. Access to the airport is strictly controlled and typically requires prior authorization from PT Badak NGL or associated industrial partners. Travelers are advised that as a private facility, all logistics including ground transportation and security clearance should be coordinated well in advance through their respective organizations.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through PT Badak Bontang Airport (BXT) is a highly specialized experience governed by its status as a private industrial facility. The primary air link is between Bontang and Balikpapan (BPN), typically operated by Pelita Air Service using ATR 42-500 aircraft. A critical 'connection' tip for travelers is that these are charter flights intended primarily for employees and contractors of PT Badak NGL and Pupuk Kaltim. While limited seats are occasionally available to the general public, they are not listed on standard booking platforms; you must coordinate directly with local airline offices in Bontang. The flight takes approximately 30โ45 minutes, but because of its high cost and restricted nature, most travelers opt for ground-based 'connections. '
If you are not affiliated with the energy companies, the most reliable way to connect to the broader Indonesian aviation network is via a 'Travel' (shuttle van) service from Bontang to Balikpapanโs Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (BPN). Popular providers like Kangaroo Premier or Cipaganti offer door-to-door service, though the journey takes 5 to 6 hours via the SamarindaโBontang highway. It is highly recommended to book these shuttles at least 24 hours in advance to ensure a timely arrival for your BPN departure.
Within the BXT terminal, facilities are minimalist but high-security; ensure you have all necessary company authorization documents ready before reaching the perimeter gates. For those visiting the nearby Kutai National Park, BXT is the most proximal airfield, but all logistics must be pre-arranged as there are no on-site car rentals or public taxis. Always allow a significant buffer when connecting from a Bontang ground transfer to a domestic flight in Balikpapan, as heavy traffic and road conditions in East Kalimantan can be unpredictable.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Aji Pangeran Tumenggung (APT) Pranoto International Airport (AAP) is the primary air gateway for Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Opened in 2018 to replace the older, centrally located Temindung Airport, AAP features a modern and spacious single-terminal building designed to handle the region's growing passenger traffic. The terminal architecture incorporates local Dayak cultural motifs and offers a clean, well-organized environment for travelers. All domestic and international flights are managed from this integrated facility, which includes a large check-in hall, multiple departure gates, and a modern baggage handling system.
The airport is equipped with a range of passenger amenities. Travelers will find various dining options, from local Indonesian eateries to popular coffee shops, located both before and after the security checkpoint. Retail outlets include convenience stores, souvenir shops, and a Duty-Free section. While premium lounges are limited, there are ample public seating areas throughout the departure hall. The airport is also designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
As a key infrastructure project for the region, particularly with the development of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, APT Pranoto Airport is undergoing significant expansion. Plans are in place for a new, larger passenger terminal and improved ground infrastructure, including a potential future rail link. For now, the current terminal capably serves as a vital hub connecting Samarinda to major cities across Indonesia.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport requires navigating Indonesia's domestic network, as this East Kalimantan hub currently offers no international services despite its international designation, requiring all overseas connections through Jakarta or Surabaya. Opened in 2018 to replace obsolete Temindung Airport, AAP handles 752,913 passengers annually with domestic routes operated by Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, Citilink, Super Air Jet, and Wings Air to five destinations including Jakarta CGK, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Tanjung Redeb, and Yogyakarta, with approximately 291 monthly flights serving the region's mining and oil industries.
Domestic connections within the single terminal require minimal transit time due to the airport's compact design, though passenger volumes approaching the 1.5 million annual capacity limit can create congestion during peak periods. The 831-mile Jakarta route, served by multiple carriers, provides the primary gateway for international connections, with Garuda Indonesia offering premium connectivity options through Jakarta's extensive network. Alternative routing through Surabaya enables connections to Australian and regional Asian destinations, while the limited Banjarmasin service provides access to South Kalimantan's coal regions and onward connections to Malaysian Borneo.
Ground transportation coordination is essential for connections beyond Samarinda, with Banyumili Travel providing scheduled shuttle services to key East Kalimantan cities including Sangatta, Bontang, and Balikpapan, while DAMRI operates two bus routes connecting the airport to various Samarinda districts. The airport's location 25 kilometers from city center requires fixed-rate taxis charging IDR 150,000-160,000 for the 30-45 minute journey, with six standardized taxi companies operating 24-hour services. Future expansion plans targeting 8 million annual passengers by 2040 include runway extension to 3,000 meters and additional terminal capacity, potentially enabling direct international services that would eliminate current connection requirements through Java's major hubs.
โ Back to PT Badak Bontang Airport