Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The Transportation Ministry has set a target to make public the winner of a tender for the management of Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara Province, at the end of this month.
The tender process for the management of the airport, under a government-to-business cooperation (KPBU) scheme, is ongoing, President Director of the Labuan Bajo Tourism Authority Board Shana Fatina stated on Tuesday.
"At the end of November, the Transportation Ministry will name the winner of the tender for the management of Komodo Airport under the KPBU scheme after which the handling of the airport will be taken over by the new management in January next year," she revealed.
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The new management of the airport will carry forward several tasks encompassing extension of the runway, installation of more navigational devices and other requirements prior to the airport's status being upgraded to that of an international airport, she explained.
The runway will be extended to 2,750 meters, from 2,450 meters, and the terminal will be expanded to accommodate nearly two million passengers, she stated. The terminal can currently accommodate 500 thousand passengers.
The problem related to Komodo Airport is one of the factors hindering the realization of this year's target of tourists in West Manggarai District. The local government has targeted to receive 500 thousand domestic tourists and one million foreign tourists in 2019.
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