West Papua Airport in Manokwari, The Rendani Airport

Rendani Airport
Sumber : Detik News

Rendani is considered one of the more crowded airports in West Papua. It is located in the region’s big city, Manokwari. Because of its large size, the airport is also able to accommodate large-sized airplanes. Since it is a potential airport, the government plans to expand its development.

Rendani Airport
Sumber : Twitter

Description of Rendani Airport Function

Rendani Airport is managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Indonesia. It is classified as a Class II airport. In Indonesia, the class of an airport is determined by two main factors:

  • The service capacity
  • The operational activities

The service capacity refers to an airport’s ability to accommodate a certain size of airplane unit, which implies the number of passengers and goods it can service. This factor depends on the length of the airport’s runway according to the ARFL standard. It also depends on the length of the wingspan and the mean outer gear it can accommodate.

A Class II airport like in Rendani in West Papua is expected to service between 1 and 5 million people per year. It services domestic travels with longer routes as a part of National Activity Center infrastructures. The airport can also accommodate larger-sized aircrafts for passengers and goods.

The Airport Facilities

As an airport dedicated to improving connectivity to tourism and other industries in Papua, the facilities in Rendani becomes the main concern. The government has invested a large fund for the following facilities:

1. Large Runway

The Class II airport offers a large runway, one of the largest in West Papua. A large runway does not only function to accommodate larger aircrafts. It also ensures the safety of a flight during landing and takeoff.  A longer and broader runway allows the pilot to maneuver an airplane unit with more ease.

2. Passenger Terminal

The passenger terminal in Rendani is also considered convenient. There is a big lounge area for passengers to wait for their schedules comfortably. In the passenger terminal, there are other supporting facilities such as bathrooms and health facilities.

3. Retail Facility

While waiting for their flight schedules, passengers can also enjoy the retail facility offered in the airport. Passengers can purchase food and other essential items in various shops across the airport. Not only that, some shops sell local crafts. It proves that the airport also provides a chance for locals to showcase their traditional cultures.

4. Parking Area

There is a large parking area outside of the airport building. This facility provides a safe short-term and long-term place for people to store their vehicles while entering the airport. A progressive fee is applied for those using this facility.

5. Public Transportation

People can reach the airport by public transportation. The management provides options like airport taxis and rental cars. However, some hotels near the West Papua area offer shuttle vehicles to and from the airport.

The Current Flight Routes in Rendani

The airport works together with six passenger airlines (including Batik Air and Garuda Indonesia) to provide flight routes from and to the following destinations:

  • Jakarta
  • Makassar
  • Ambon
  • Jayapura
  • Sorong
  • Kaimana
  • Merdey
  • Wasior

Further Plans of Development

The plan for developing Rendani Air is successive. It started in 2013 when the government built a new terminal and expanded its apron. At the end of 2015, the government had also extended the runway to improve its class based on Indonesian aviation classification.

In 2020, the government announced a plan further to extend Rendani Airport’s runway by 300 meters. It will allow bigger aircrafts to land in the airport as well as improving safety. This plan will open more opportunities for new flight routes in the future.

The government’s plan to develop Rendani Airport is strategic. It is one of the largest airports in West Papua. It links the region with other regions in Indonesia, which will aid its further development.