โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Harun Thohir Airport (BXW) is Bawean Island's small domestic airport, built to give this remote Java Sea island a dependable air connection to East Java. The runway is short and the operating environment is designed for STOL-capable aircraft, which immediately tells you that the airport is about access rather than scale. For island residents and visitors, the airport is strategically important because the alternative is a sea journey that can be weather-sensitive and much slower.
The terminal is correspondingly compact. Travelers should expect a simple domestic building with basic check-in, security, and waiting space, not a large Indonesian regional terminal with extensive shops or multiple gates. Airports like BXW are built around a small number of flights, limited seating, and direct handoff to island transport. The experience is practical and low-stress, but it depends heavily on pre-arranged tickets and onward logistics because capacity is tight and service patterns can change.
What makes BXW distinctive is its role in opening up an island that still feels separate from the main Java corridor. It is the front door for visitors heading to Bawean's villages, beaches, deer sanctuary, and hilly interior, but it also remains a lifeline for residents who need faster links to the mainland. The terminal therefore has a very specific purpose: get a small number of passengers on and off the island efficiently, with just enough infrastructure to make regular pioneer-style domestic service viable.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting to and from Harun Thohir (BXW) primarily involves regional hops through Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya. Susi Air provides the most reliable scheduled link, with the flight typically taking approximately 55 minutes. Due to the limited seating capacity of the Cessna Caravan (approx. 12 passengers), it is highly recommended to book your tickets well in advance via the airline's website or local agents.
If you are connecting to an international flight in Surabaya, ensure you allow at least 3-4 hours for baggage collection and a terminal transfer, as regional flights can occasionally experience weather-related schedule changes. Ground transportation on Bawean Island is informal and mostly consists of motorbike taxis (ojek) and private car hires. Taxis are generally available near the terminal exit during scheduled arrivals and provide a reliable way to reach the main town of Sangkapura or Pudakit Timur Village. Many of the island's small guesthouses and nature lodges provide pre-arranged airport pickups for their guests, so coordinate your arrival in advance.
For those visiting the Bawean Deer Sanctuary, a motorbike or 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the steep and narrow roads. Alternative access to the island is available via the Express Bahari fast ferry from Gresik, which takes about 3-4 hours. Always carry Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for local expenses, as credit card acceptance is very limited outside major service providers. A unique tip for travelers is to enjoy the stunning aerial views of the Java Sea and the island's volcanic peaks during takeoff and landing.
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 Harun Thohir Airport