Singkawang Airport passenger numbers double ahead of Cap Go Meh

Singkawang, West Kalimantan (ANTARA) — Head of the Singkawang Airport Service Unit Ilham Hafizi said the number of passengers arriving and departing through Singkawang Airport has risen ahead of the Cap Go Meh 2026 celebrations in Singkawang, West Kalimantan.

According to him, passenger numbers have doubled compared to normal days.

“Usually the number of arriving passengers is around 350 people per day, but ahead of Cap Go Meh this has increased to approximately 700 passengers per day. Departing passenger numbers have also risen,” Ilham said in Singkawang on Tuesday.

He explained that the surge was driven by high mobility among the public and tourists wishing to witness the series of Chinese New Year 2577 Kongzili and Cap Go Meh 2026 celebrations, which form an annual event in Singkawang.

To anticipate the increase in passenger traffic, authorities have added two additional flights on the Jakarta–Singkawang return route.

“Currently two airlines have been added, namely Super Air Jet and TransNusa, bringing the total number of flights to four times per day on the Jakarta–Singkawang return route,” he said.

He added that the increased flight frequency was implemented to maintain smooth passenger flow whilst supporting the regional tourism sector, which is expected to grow during the cultural celebration period.

The series of Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh 2026 celebrations in Singkawang are scheduled to run from 28 February to 4 March 2026. From 28 February to 3 March, a Cap Go Meh Culinary Festival will be held in the city centre.

On 1 March, a Lantern Parade will take place, whilst on 1–2 March the Cap Go Meh Evil-Warding Ritual will be held and from 1–3 March the Ket Sam Thoi Ritual will be staged on Jalan Sejahtera, Singkawang.

The celebrations will peak on 3 March with the Cap Go Meh Festival featuring hundreds of tatung (spirit mediums), whilst the closing of the Chinese New Year and Cap Go Meh series is scheduled for 4 March at Kridasana Stadium, Singkawang.

Ilham expressed hope that the surge in passenger numbers would have a positive impact on economic growth and tourist visits to Singkawang during the celebrations.