In a significant recognition of the economic contributions and future potentials of low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the vast archipelago, the Indonesian Government has designated Terminal 2F of Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (SHIA) as a dedicated LCC Terminal for international flights.
This is a very proud moment for Indonesians that they finally have a dedicated LCCT to be a regional LCC powerhouse.
Soekarno-Hatta Terminal 2F LCCT
Effective 1st May 2019, most budget airlines in the region will start to operate from Terminal 2F at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Passengers must also take note of the following airlines that will be operating from SHIA T2F as below:
- AirAsia international flights (previously T2D) - from 1 May 2019 [Note that AirAsia Indonesia domestic flights that were once at Terminal 2F will now move to Terminal 2D and 2E]
- Cebu Pacific (previously T2D) - from 1 May 2019
- Lion Air Group (Lion Air, Thai Lion, Malindo) international flights (previously T2D) - from 1 May 2019
- Jetstar Asia (formerly T3) - from 15 May 2019
- Citilink and Tiger Scoot - are also scheduled to move to T2F soon, making it a fully international LCCT for Indonesia.
Below is a video of the new LCCT at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
As this strategy involves a realignment of domestic-international flight operations, all domestic flights by Sriwijaya Air and AirAsia that were previously operating at Terminal 2F will move to Terminal 2D/E from 1st May 2019.
There is also a dedicated terminal for Umrah pilgrims, which is also underway. SHIA is undergoing an exciting transformation with all of these additions and changes. Even the new Terminal 4 is currently being built.
For those who may not be familiar with Soekarno-Hatta International, the airport is divided into three main terminals, which are;
- Terminal 1 (1A, 1B, 1C)
- Terminal 2 (2D, 2E, 2F)
- Terminal 3 (which is now designated for full-service international flights like those by Garuda, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and others)
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Jakarta
The airport's Terminal 1 (opened in 1985) and Terminal 2 (opened in 1991) were designed by Paul Andreu, a French architect who also designed Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.
One of the characteristics of the airport is incorporating local architecture into the design and the presence of tropical gardens between the waiting lounges.
With the unique characteristics of design and architecture, the airport won the 1995 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Terminal 3 started operations in 2017, and another Terminal 4 is currently in the pipeline.
 |
| The overall layout map for the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo Wikipedia) |
Why Did They Make the LCCT at T2?
According to the airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II, the declaration of T2F as an LCCT was made in response to the Tourism Ministry's aim to increase tourist arrivals under the Wonderful Indonesia campaign.
In 2018, 30% or 4.65 million out of 15.5 million passengers on international routes at Soekarno-Hatta International were in the LCC segment, which is expected to grow further in 2019.
The first quarter of 2019 saw a growth of 2% in LCC international route passengers at SHIA, while aircraft movements increased by 5%.
Currently, 60% of SHIA passengers are millennials, forming the biggest group of LCC passengers in Indonesia.
To cater to and service them better, PT Angkasa Pura II has assured that T2F will be equipped with digital services like self-check-in kiosks, self-baggage drop and other value-added services.
The T2F LCCT was said to be realigned to facilitate a fast departure process, short turnaround time and a happy journey experience for passengers.
The most crucial point is how Indonesia emphasises the LCC sector by providing a dedicated LCCT that will allow it to grow even further.
Adopting digital services will increase efficiency, cut costs, and enhance the passenger experience travelling in and out of Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta LCCT in Jakarta.
For Indonesian readers, you can also read the media statement by PT Angkasa Pura II, which was issued on the 26th of April 2019.
 |
| Where is Terminal 2F at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport? (Photo: www.ifly.com) |
Conclusion
Well, I have to go and check out the new LCCT at SHIA T2F and see if it is up to the mark. And how is it compared to our KLIA2? This is undoubtedly on my airport review list!
I have travelled around Indonesia for work and leisure in the last few years and to several remote places, where I have reviewed the Raja Ampat airport and the Marinda Waisai airport in West Papua, Indonesia.
And if you haven't, please check out my review of KLIA2 vs Bangkok Don Mueang airport here and my Tokyo Narita Airport review. I would love to hear your comments below too.