Sunday, 02 August 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution officially inaugurated the inaugural flight of Wings Air's new route connecting Kualanamu International Airport with General Besarnya A.H. Nasution Airport in Mandailing Natal Regency on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The launch of the new air route marks a strategic move by the North Sumatra Provincial Government to strengthen regional connectivity, accelerate public mobility, and create new economic growth opportunities across the province, particularly in Mandailing Natal.The inaugural flight ceremony was held at Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang Regency. The event was attended by executives from Lion Group, the management of PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), members of the North Sumatra Regional Legislative Council (DPRD Sumut), representatives from local governments, and various stakeholders in the aviation sector.
In his speech, Bobby Nasution emphasized that the direct flight connection between Kualanamu and Mandailing Natal was not merely a ceremonial occasion, but part of the government's efforts to provide residents with better access to more efficient transportation services.
According to Bobby, residents of Mandailing Natal who previously needed to travel to Medan and surrounding areas had to rely on lengthy overland journeys. Some travelers also had to use flight connections through neighboring provinces such as West Sumatra."Previously, our people from Mandailing Natal who wanted to return home or travel to Medan had to cover long distances by land or first travel through neighboring provinces such as West Sumatra. With this direct flight route, the distance and travel time can be significantly reduced," Bobby said.
He explained that the new air connectivity would provide major benefits for the community by improving travel efficiency. Easier access would also strengthen economic, social, and cultural relations between Mandailing Natal and other regions in North Sumatra.Bobby expressed hope that the direct flight service would become a new driving force for regional economic development. Improved air connectivity is expected to attract more business activities, increase visitor numbers, and accelerate the development of Mandailing Natal.
He described Kualanamu Airport as a strategic gateway to western Indonesia. Therefore, the development of the aviation ecosystem requires stronger support through appropriate policies from the central government.
Bobby highlighted the importance of more efficient aviation fuel (avtur) prices and tax incentives to help airlines maintain more competitive operational costs. He believed these measures could increase Kualanamu Airport's attractiveness for investors in the aviation sector.Furthermore, he encouraged the development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at Kualanamu Airport. Such facilities have significant growth potential and could strengthen North Sumatra's position as an aviation service hub in western Indonesia.
Bobby conveyed these proposals to members of the Indonesian Parliament who attended the event, so they could be followed up through national-level policy initiatives.With appropriate regulatory support, Bobby is confident that Kualanamu Airport will not only serve as a passenger hub in the future but also develop into an aviation industry center with broader economic impacts.
According to Kedar, the launch of the Kualanamu-Mandailing Natal route represents an important milestone in expanding the air transportation network in North Sumatra.
He emphasized that the new connection would not only improve travel convenience for residents but also has the potential to encourage more balanced and inclusive local economic growth."We appreciate the collaboration between the North Sumatra Provincial Government and all parties involved in creating this new connectivity," Kedar said.
The event concluded with the departure ceremony of the first Wings Air flight to General Besarnya A.H. Nasution Airport in Mandailing Natal, accompanied by the first passengers on the route.The new flight route is part of ongoing efforts to expand air transportation access in North Sumatra while strengthening Kualanamu Airport's role as one of the strategic transportation hubs in western Indonesia. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
/home/u7391150/public_html/indatanews.com/theme/function.php on line 28