The airport is undergoing massive renovations..."
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - PT Angkasa Pura Airport Duty Manager Gabriel Lusi Keraf has said El Tari airport in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, is undergoing renovations to allow landings by international flights.

"The airport is undergoing massive renovations as part of its preparation to serve international flights on the Kupang-Dili-Darwin route in the future," Gabriel said here on Saturday.

According to Gabriel, the renovations include building departure and arrival lounges for international flight passengers.

Gabriel noted that besides the renovations, areas for immigration, quarantine, and customs are also being set up at El Tari airport.

Meanwhile, East Nusa Tenggara Governor Frans Lebu Raya said he had proposed the opening of an international route covering Kupang-Dili-Darwin to the Air Transportation Directorate General at the Ministry of Transportation.

The governor said the proposal for international flight service at El Tari airport was delivered to the Transportation Ministry in late January 2014.

He noted that El Tari airport would serve international flights to support the tourism sector in the province, since Komodo island was named a world tourist destination in Indonesia in 2013.

The provincial government aims to promote tourism, since there are various tourist sites in the province.

Therefore, the basic infrastructure to support the tourist sector, such as transport facilities, accommodations, and adequate and reliable information, needs to be strengthened.

Various local community groups in the province work to promote the local tourist industry, although many of these activities are still somewhat underdeveloped and need strengthening.

"In this regard, the people in the province certainly need adequate air transportation to assist them in their activities," he said.

Further, the governor added that international flights will also support the development of the economic growth triangle of Kupang, Dili, and Darwin.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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