Wednesday, 24 August 2022 | 13:15
Diana Mariska
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi at Mandailing Natal airport construction site. (Photo: Ministry of Transportation)

TheIndonesia.id - Deputy governor of North Sumatra has confirmed that the construction of Mandailing Natal (Madina) airport in the province is due to be completed in 2024, or in accordance to the initial target.

Musa Rajekshah said on Tuesday, August 23, that as of this month, construction project continued to go according to planned schedule, and it is expected to wrap up in 2024.

“Because progress still continues, then we believe the Madina airport construction will meet [completion] target in 2024,” Rajekshah said, as reported by Antara.

The new airport is located in Sodojadi village in Bukit Malintang subdistrict, and is planned to improve accessibility for locals and North Sumatrans in general.

Passengers, for example, can reach South Tapanuli faster from Mandailing Natal airport than from existing Silangit, Ferdinand Lumban, and Aek Godang airports.

“The new airport will also ease the transport of hajj pilgrims from Madina to Kualanamu airport, which is currently done through land transport,” the deputy governor said.

He added that several areas in West Sumatra province can also benefit from the airport, and it is expected to encourage and support economic activities.

The Ministry of Transportation is coordinating with Mandailing Natal regencial government and North Sumatra provincial government for the project.

The airport is planned to have 1,600-meter runway, and the terminals are expected to accommodate up to 500,000 passengers every year.