2,768 homebound travellers pass through El Tari airport on H-8 of Eid al-Fitr

Kupang — The Lebaran transport post at El Tari Airport in Kupang recorded 2,768 homebound travellers passing through the international airport on Friday, 13 March, according to the airport’s transport command centre.

“This number will continue to increase, but currently we have reached 2,768 homebound travellers,” said El Tari Airport Kupang General Manager Teguh Darmawan Saima following the opening of the Unified Lebaran Transport Operation 1447 H/2026, which runs from 13 to 30 March 2026 in Kupang on Friday.

“We initially projected that on H-8, or the first day of the operation, homebound traveller numbers would reach 2,500, but we have already surpassed 2,700 and the figures are likely to continue climbing,” he added.

Saima stated that Angkasa Pura Indonesia, which manages El Tari Airport, has prepared comprehensive contingency measures in the event of passenger congestion at the airport. One such measure includes a terminal waiting area with capacity to accommodate up to 5,400 homebound travellers if numbers peak at the airport.

“Our airport’s capacity can handle 2 million passengers annually, so we are fully prepared,” he added.

The General Manager attributed the high volume of early migration at El Tari Airport on H-8 of Eid al-Fitr to many travellers choosing to depart ahead of schedule to avoid congestion at the airport. Anisa, a homebound traveller heading to Java, chose to travel early after taking leave from work.

“I took leave, so I am not returning to work next week and I am departing today early to avoid the crowds of other travellers,” she said.