Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) serves as the primary gateway to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and is the busiest airport in the country. Located in Tangerang, Banten province, just outside Jakarta, this airport is the center of Indonesia’s aviation industry, handling the majority of the nation’s international and domestic air traffic. Named after Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, and vice president, Mohammad Hatta, the airport plays a crucial role in connecting the sprawling archipelago to the rest of the world.
CGK History and Development
Plans for Soekarno–Hatta International Airport were initiated in the early 1970s when the government realized that Kemayoran Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport could no longer meet Jakarta’s growing aviation needs. In 1980, construction began on a new site in Cengkareng, about 20 kilometers west of central Jakarta.
The airport officially opened on May 1, 1985, with the inauguration of Terminal 1. At the time, the facility was praised for its unique architectural design, which combined traditional Javanese influences with modern functionality. Terminal 2 was completed and opened in 1992, expanding the airport’s capacity and handling increasing international demand.
In the years that followed, CGK experienced exponential growth in passenger traffic. Terminal 3, a major addition, began partial operations in 2009 and was fully completed in 2016, transforming the airport into a modern transportation hub. Over the decades, CGK has grown from a regional airport to one of the busiest in Southeast Asia.
Airport Statistics and Quick Facts
Soekarno–Hatta International Airport is a major player in global aviation. In 2023, the airport handled more than 50 million passengers, recovering strongly from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At its peak in 2019, the airport served over 80 million travelers, making it one of the busiest in the world by passenger numbers.
The airport occupies approximately 18 square kilometers of land and is equipped to handle over 60 million passengers annually with current infrastructure. CGK operates under the IATA code “CGK,” which is derived from Cengkareng, the area in which it is located.
CGK currently has three passenger terminals, with a fourth terminal under construction. The airport also operates two parallel runways and is supported by extensive cargo facilities, aircraft maintenance hangars, and logistical infrastructure.
Terminal Layout and Facilities
Soekarno–Hatta’s terminal system is divided into three main sections, each designed to handle specific flight operations and passenger needs. A fourth terminal, Terminal 4, is expected to open in the near future.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the oldest of the terminals and is primarily used for domestic flights. It consists of three concourses: A, B, and C. Terminal 1 features traditional Indonesian architectural elements and includes a range of basic services for travelers. Renovations have been underway to modernize its appearance and functionality.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 initially handled international flights but now serves both domestic and international operations, depending on the airline. It is divided into concourses D, E, and F. Like Terminal 1, this terminal features a blend of local culture and practical design, though it has been surpassed by the newer Terminal 3 in terms of modern amenities.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the most modern and expansive of the terminals. Designed to handle both domestic and international flights, it serves as the primary hub for Garuda Indonesia and several international carriers. Terminal 3 boasts contemporary architecture, advanced passenger processing systems, automated baggage handling, and a wide array of restaurants, retail outlets, and lounges.
This terminal includes multiple levels and gates, with separate check-in areas for domestic and international travelers. Its spacious design offers a smooth travel experience and complies with international standards for large-scale airport operations.
Facilities and Services
Across the terminals, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport offers numerous amenities for passengers. These include:
- VIP and airline lounges for premium travelers
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- Duty-free shops and international luxury brands
- Local handicraft stores and souvenir outlets
- Restaurants and cafés offering both Indonesian cuisine and global fare
- Prayer rooms and quiet spaces
- Medical clinics, pharmacies, and emergency services
- ATMs, currency exchange counters, and mobile SIM card vendors
- Children’s play areas and nursing rooms
- On-site hotels and capsule pods for short stays
The airport also emphasizes cleanliness, accessibility, and safety, with improved signage, escalators, elevators, and facilities for passengers with limited mobility.
Airlines and Destinations
Soekarno–Hatta International Airport is a major hub for both domestic and international airlines. It is the primary base for Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Citilink. It also serves as an important regional stopover for many global carriers.
Major domestic destinations from CGK include Surabaya, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Makassar, Yogyakarta, and Balikpapan. These routes are served by a high frequency of daily flights, ensuring smooth connectivity across the Indonesian archipelago.
On the international front, CGK offers flights to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Europe. Some of the major international carriers operating at CGK include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, ANA, Cathay Pacific, KLM, and Etihad Airways.
Popular international routes from CGK include flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Dubai, Jeddah, Sydney, and Amsterdam. The airport also handles significant pilgrimage traffic to Saudi Arabia, especially during Hajj season.
CGK Ground Transportation
Soekarno–Hatta International Airport is well-connected to Jakarta and surrounding areas through various ground transportation options.
Airport Rail Link
The Soekarno–Hatta Airport Rail Link provides a fast and efficient connection between the airport and downtown Jakarta. The train operates between CGK and BNI City Station in central Jakarta, with stops at intermediate stations like Duri and Batu Ceper. The journey takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes, avoiding the traffic congestion that Jakarta is notorious for.
Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the service is clean, punctual, and air-conditioned. The airport rail station is connected to Terminal 1 and 2 via shuttle buses and is directly integrated with Terminal 3.
Buses
Damri buses operate a network of routes from the airport to various parts of the city and beyond. These buses offer an affordable alternative for passengers looking to travel to destinations such as Gambir Station, Blok M, Bekasi, Bogor, and Bandung.
Other private shuttle bus services are also available, including more luxurious options with onboard Wi-Fi and reserved seating.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxi services are readily available at all terminals, with both metered and fixed-rate options. Blue Bird and Express Group are two of the most trusted taxi companies serving CGK. Passengers can also use app-based ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek for on-demand pickup and drop-off.
Designated pick-up zones and waiting areas are clearly marked, and mobile connectivity allows travelers to summon their rides conveniently.
Car Rentals and Parking
Several car rental services operate at the airport, catering to business and leisure travelers. Long- and short-term parking is also available in all terminals, with clear signage and shuttle services connecting the lots to terminal entrances.
The Future of CGK
To meet growing demand, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport is undergoing a massive transformation aimed at increasing capacity, enhancing efficiency, and modernizing infrastructure.
One of the key projects is the construction of Terminal 4. Once completed, Terminal 4 will boost the airport’s capacity by another 45 million passengers annually. The terminal is being designed with smart technology and sustainable building practices, integrating automated systems, energy-efficient lighting, and green spaces.
Plans are also in place to add a third runway, which will significantly improve takeoff and landing frequencies. This runway is part of a larger airside infrastructure upgrade, including the expansion of taxiways, aprons, and aircraft parking bays.
The airport authority is investing heavily in digital transformation, with smart security checkpoints, facial recognition, mobile boarding passes, and automated immigration gates. These changes are intended to reduce queues, improve safety, and enhance the overall passenger experience.
There is also a push to position CGK as a regional transit hub. By improving its network of international connections, adding long-haul services, and enhancing its partnerships with global airlines, CGK aims to attract more transit passengers traveling between Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe.
As part of Indonesia’s broader vision to modernize its transportation network, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport will continue to evolve, reflecting the country’s economic growth and increasing international stature.
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