Komodo Airport Guide! – Labuan Bajo Airport
Located on the charming island of Flores, Komodo Airport (LBJ) is the primary entry point to the world-famous Komodo National Park and for those who will travel all of Flores. This comprehensive guide is designed to offer you all the necessary information about Komodo Airport.
What You Should Know About Komodo Airport
Komodo Airport is a small airport situated a few kilometers away from the center of Labuan Bajo. It serves as an essential connection between Flores and other parts of Indonesia. Despite its size, it plays a crucial role in the tourism industry of the region. The airport was initially a basic airstrip, but it has undergone significant upgrades to cater to the increasing number of visitors attracted to the natural and cultural attractions of the area.
Before you go through security, the waiting area is a small area with seats and a big open area without seats. There are sockets so you can charge your devices, and free wifi which is very slow.
Inside the airport, there are some stores and dining possibilities, but it’s expensive and not very good. If you are a smoker you will have to pay IDR 60.000 for a coffee or tea to get access to the smoking room which is part of a cafe.
Arrivals and Departures From Komodo Airport
Komodo Airport (Labuan Bajo LBJ) is a domestic airport. The number of arrivals and departures every day varies. 6 different airlines are flying to and from Komodo airport to 7 different destinations. On a normal weekday, this is what you can expect:
- Komodo Airport – Denpasar, 5-6 Flights per day, 1h 15min flight time.
- Komodo Airport – Jakarta, 3-5 Flights per day, 2h 15 min flight time.
- Komodo Airport – Surabaya, 1-2 Flights per day, 1h 15min flight time.
- Komodo Airport – Bajawa, 1 Flight per day, 50 min flight time.
- Komodo Airport – Ende, 1 Flight per day, 55 min flight time.
- Komodo Airport – Kupang, 1 Flight per day, 1h 35 min flight time.
- Komodo Airport – Maumere, 3-4 flights every week, 55 min flight time.
The airport is expanding continuously and there will be more destinations and flights in the future as the government is working hard for more tourism in Labuan Bajo. The President was even visiting with his helicopter the same day as I was leaving!
Transportation Options – Getting to and from Komodo Airport
A variety of transportation options are available to reach Labuan Bajo and other destinations from the airport. Taxis are readily available, it’s best to go with a meter taxi, if fixed price to the city it should be about IDR 10,000-30,000. For those looking for more independence, car rental services are also present. You can only use Grab with a motorbike in Labuan Bajo.
Preparing for Your Flight
I went to the airport three hours before my flight, which was unnecessary early to be there. My flight was to Denpasar with AirAsia. The check-in counter did not open until two hours before departure, so I could not go inside the airport because I had to check in one luggage and get my boarding pass.
To ensure a smooth experience at Komodo Airport, arriving at least 2 hours before your flight is advisable. Be mindful of the baggage weight limits, as smaller aircraft operating in the region may have stricter restrictions. Always keep your travel documents handy and be prepared for quick weather changes, which are common in this tropical region.
Komodo Airport FAQs
What are the operating hours of Komodo Airport?
The airport operates from early morning until late evening, aligning with flight schedules.
Can I find transportation from the airport late at night?
Yes, taxis and some shuttle services operate late, but it’s advisable to pre-book for late arrivals.
