Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that Silangit Airport would get international status on Oct. 28 as part of the effort to support tourism in North Sumatra, especially Lake Toba and surrounding areas.

“Starting on Oct. 28, it will be operated as an international airport. We will also add various supporting services outside the airport,” said Budi on Sunday as reported by tempo.co.

The airport has fulfilled all the requirements as an international airport, the minister said, adding that, however, the improvement of its facilities, including the runway, terminal and other supporting facilities would continue to be implemented before Oct. 28.

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He explained that the airport already had a 2,650-meter runway, with a pavement classification number between 20 and 35.

“For all Boeing 737 planes to land, it needs an additional overlay. I have asked Angkasa Pura II (the state-owned airport operator) to finish it before Oct. 28.”

With all the improvements, many more airline companies were expected to use the airport, he added.

The airlines that already fly to the airport include flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air and Wing Air.

Data from PT Angkasa Pura showed that the airport accommodates 300,000 passengers annually. (bbn)