Jakarta International Airport makeover kicks off
A view of resorts on Bali, which is Indonesia’s most popular destination. — Picture courtesy of shutterstock.comJAKARTA, Aug 4 — The first renovation works carried out on Indonesia’s busiest airport in 27 years started on August 2.
The long-awaited renovation works, done by the state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura I, will boost the airport’s capacity to 62 million passengers a year. As part of the additions, a new building with shops and restaurants connected to the airport’s terminal is to be built as well as a new parking lot and a tram. The upgrade will cost an estimated US$1.5 billion (RM4.65 billion) and is expected to be completed in 2014.
The airport, built in 1985, is currently operating at twice its maximum capacity of 22 million passengers a year, resulting in delays and long lines.
The number of international tourists arriving in Indonesia climbed to 7.65 million arrivals in 2011 (9.24 per cent over 2010). The most popular tourist destination in the country is Bali followed by West and Central Java. Most of the tourists come from neighbours Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.
The state-owned airport operator has also announced plans to construct a new international airport in the island of Bali next year to cope with the growing number of tourists visiting the island. — AFP-Relaxnews
