Three Million Passengers Expected to Flood Soekarno Hatta Airport
As many as 3,010,993 aircraft passengers are expected to flood Soekarno Hatta International Airport during the 2026 Lebaran travel period from 13 to 30 March 2026. “This forecast represents a 2.20 per cent increase compared to the Lebaran travel period last year,” said General Manager of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Heru Karyadi on Wednesday evening, 11 March 2026.
Regarding aircraft movements during this year’s Lebaran exodus, Heru stated that 19,891 flights are predicted to fill the Cengkareng airspace, a 3.43 per cent increase from the previous year.
The peak outbound Lebaran traffic at Soekarno Hatta Airport is forecast to occur on 18 March 2026, with an estimated 187,202 passengers and 1,193 domestic and international flights. The peak return traffic will occur on 28 March 2026, with passenger movements reaching 198,387 individuals and 1,221 flights.
During this year’s Lebaran transport operation, Heru said, Soekarno Hatta Airport has received requests for 735 additional flights, consisting of 376 domestic and 370 international flights.
To anticipate passenger congestion during the 2026 Lebaran travel period, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) Branch Office at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has undertaken comprehensive preparations. These preparations encompass operational aspects, infrastructure readiness, passenger service facilities, and personnel readiness to accommodate potential increases in passenger and aircraft movements during the Lebaran transport period.
The following are the detailed preparatory measures:
Operating Lebaran transport posts commencing 13 March through 30 March 2026. There are three post locations: an integrated post at Terminal 1B and service posts at Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Deploying 7,832 personnel, with approximately 2,197 personnel assigned per operational shift to ensure smooth flight operations.
Ensuring all facilities remain in optimal condition, including three runways, 175 parking stands, and 115 airbridges ready to support aircraft movements during the Lebaran travel period.
Strengthening passenger service facilities through the provision of baggage trolleys and cabin trolleys, as well as optimising inter-terminal transportation services such as Skytrain and shuttle buses to support passenger mobility within the airport area.
Conducting electrical system tests through generator load testing to ensure backup electrical systems function optimally in the event of main power supply disruption.
Performing random vehicle inspections in the terminal area to ensure all operational activities proceed safely and in a controlled manner.
Strengthening ground transportation services through the provision of various transportation modes including shuttle buses, AJAP shuttles, online taxis, and regular taxis, including fleet expansion to accommodate potential increases in passenger numbers during the Lebaran period.
As a mitigation measure against potential emergency conditions and extreme weather, airport management has prepared contingency plans, including enhanced drainage system capacity, installation of real-time water level monitoring equipment, and normalisation of water channels at several points within the airport area.