Inaugural Flight Wings Air Kualanamu–Mandailing Natal
The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, inaugurated the inaugural flight of Wings Air from Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) to Jenderal Besar A.H. Nasution Airport in the Mandailing Natal district (Madina).
The new route is expected to strengthen interregional connections, accelerate public transport, and stimulate economic growth in North Sumatra.
The inaugural flight took place at Kualanamu International Airport in the Deliserdang district. Attendees at the ceremony included directors of Lion Group, management of PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), members of the North Sumatra Regional People’s Representatives (DPRD), regional leaders, and representatives of relevant aviation agencies.
In his speech, Bobby Nasution stated that the opening of the new flight route was not merely a ceremonial event, but a strategic step to shorten travel time and improve accessibility for the public, both from Medan and the surrounding area, as well as from Mandailing Natal.
“Until now, our people from Mandailing Natal who wanted to return to their hometown or travel to Medan had to take a long route overland or first fly via neighboring provinces such as West Sumatra. With this direct route, distance and travel time can be significantly reduced,” said Bobby.
According to Bobby, the presence of this new air connection will have a positive impact on strengthening the economy, improving community mobility, and accelerating regional growth in North Sumatra.
In addition to the opening of the new flight route, Bobby also expressed his ambitions regarding the development of the aviation industry at Kualanamu Airport.
He emphasized the importance of support from the central government, particularly regarding efficient aviation fuel prices and fiscal incentives, so that Kualanamu can fully utilize its role as the main gateway to Western Indonesia.
Bobby hopes that policy adjustments regarding aviation fuel prices and VAT will reduce the operational costs of airlines. This will make Kualanamu Airport more attractive to investors, including for the development of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities by national and international airlines.
These aspirations were also conveyed directly to the members of the Indonesian House of Representatives present, so that they can be advocated at the central level.
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On the same occasion, Kedar Deshpande, Director of Commercial and Business Development at PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, expressed his appreciation for the synergy between the provincial government of North Sumatra and all stakeholders.
He emphasized that the opening of the Kualanamu-Mandailing Natal route is an important milestone in expanding interregional connectivity in North Sumatra and simultaneously stimulates more inclusive local economic growth.
The event concluded with the departure of the first Wings Air flight to Jenderal Besar A.H. Nasution Airport in Mandailing Natal, with the first passengers on board. ***rel
