Transport Ministry Clarifies Adisutjipto Airport Status Amid Reactivation Talks

The Ministry of Transportation and Angkasa Pura Indonesia met with the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, on Wednesday. Following the meeting, the Ministry’s Director of Air Transport, Agustinus Budi Hartono, clarified that the discussion did not cover the reactivation of Adisutjipto Airport, as the facility is currently still active for ATR turboprop commercial flights. The meeting instead focused on preparations for an upcoming ASEAN-China forum to be held in Yogyakarta, which aims to explore partnerships with airlines and airports from China, as well as promote local tourism.

The clarification comes after President Prabowo Subianto issued a directive to reactivate and optimise several airports for commercial use, including Adisutjipto in Yogyakarta. Governor Hamengku Buwono X had previously responded to the plan, noting that the airport is already handling propeller-driven flights and that any further reactivation would be under the authority of airport operator Angkasa Pura.

The Ministry of Defence has also been involved in the broader reactivation plan. Deputy Minister of Defence Donny Ermawan stated that the Ministry is fully committed to supporting the shared use of Air Force bases for commercial flights. He highlighted that future coordination will address technical challenges such as apron capacity and flight scheduling to ensure harmonious civil-military operations. The meeting also discussed long-term plans for a Sustainable Aerospace Park in Kertajati, combining commercial and military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.