The President is expected to inaugurate the refurbished airport during his visit, he said.
"I and Mr. Basuki (Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono) are visiting Labuan Bajo to ensure that infrastructures at one of the five super-priority tourism destinations are completed properly," Sumadi said in a statement received here on Wednesday.
The development and improvement of transportation infrastructure in Labuan Bajo are aimed at enhancing the region's tourism potential, the minister added.
"This airport has been completed and will have up to one million passenger capacity annually. We will also extend the airport's runway to 2,750 meters in the future," he informed.
Related news: Labuan Bajo optimistic of receiving 100-200 visitors daily
The ministry's Directorate General of Air Transport earlier authorized the expansion of Komodo Airport, whose development commenced in 2020 and concluded in 2022.
The airport's 2,450-meter runway has now been expanded to 2,650 meters, enabling narrow-body jets, such as Boeing 737s, to land at the airport.
The airport terminal has also been beautified and its area expanded to 13,366 square meters.
Apart from the airport, the government has also developed a new multi-purpose port in Way Kelambu region, located some 10–12 kilometers from the old port, at the center of Labuan Bajo.
Logistics activities in the region are now focused on Way Kelambu port, and the old Labuan Bajo port has been upgraded to serve only tourism boats.
“The Labuan Bajo port is also expected to be inaugurated by Mr. President tomorrow," Sumadi informed.
During his visit to East Nusa Tenggara, the minister also visited Tenau port in Kupang to observe Sea Toll activities and the development of an international cargo terminal at Motaain Border Post in Atambua.
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Translator: Adimas Raditya FP, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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