Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) is the airport for Medan, the capital of North Sumatra in Indonesia. It lies in Beringin, Deli Serdang Regency, about 23 km east of central Medan, and replaced the city's old Polonia airport in the city centre. You may also see it written Kuala Namu or shortened to KNIA. A single passenger terminal handles both domestic and international flights, and an airport train runs from a station connected to the terminal straight into central Medan.

For Malaysian travellers, Medan is a natural first stop in Sumatra, with routes that include Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Kualanamu is run by PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, an InJourney Airports company.

Terminal and airlines at Kualanamu Airport

Kualanamu passenger terminal

Every airline uses the same passenger terminal. Check-in counters and self check-in are on level 2, and baggage claim and the arrival exits are on level 1. These passenger airlines fly from the terminal:

• AirAsia
• Batik Air
• Batik Air Malaysia
• Citilink
• Garuda Indonesia
• Lion Air
• Malaysia Airlines
• Pelita Air
• SalamAir
• Scoot
• Singapore Airlines
• Super Air Jet
• Susi Air
• Wings Air

AirAsia, Batik Air Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, SalamAir, Scoot and Singapore Airlines fly international routes. Citilink, Lion Air and Batik Air fly both domestic and international routes. Garuda Indonesia, Pelita Air, Super Air Jet, Susi Air and Wings Air are listed for domestic flights.

Your e-ticket shows whether your flight is domestic or international, which decides the departure area you head to after check-in. On a codeshare booking, check in with the airline that operates the flight.

Getting to and from Kualanamu Airport

Central Medan is about 23 km away. The airport train is the quickest way in, while buses also reach towns across North Sumatra. Fares are shown at the counter or in the app.

Airport train to Medan

The airport train, run by Railink, leaves from Kualanamu station, which is connected to the terminal. Follow the Airport Train signs. It runs to Medan station in the city centre and takes about 30 to 47 minutes.

Airport bus

DAMRI and regional operators such as ALS, Paradep, Almasar and Nice Trans run buses from the ground transport area of the terminal to Medan and other North Sumatra towns. The ride into Medan takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Taxi

Official metered taxis are booked at the taxi counter in the arrivals area.

Ride-hailing

Grab, Gojek and Maxim pick up from the designated online-taxi zone at the terminal.

Facilities at Kualanamu Airport

The terminal is spread over two main levels. Here is what you will find, starting with what travellers ask about most.

Lounges

Pay-per-use lounges are available, including one in the international boarding area. Entry depends on your ticket, a lounge membership or a paid pass.

Terminal layout

Level 2 is for departures, with check-in counters and self check-in. Level 1 is for arrivals, with baggage claim and the arrival exits, as well as the prayer room, banks and the money changer.

Food and drink

Cafes and restaurants are in the check-in area and in both the domestic and international departure areas, so you can eat before or after security.

Shopping and duty free

Shops line the departure areas, and international passengers will find a duty free store. Several local souvenir shops on level 2 sell oleh-oleh, the local snacks and gifts people take home.

Prayer room

A mushola prayer room is on level 1.

Money and ATMs

An ATM centre, bank outlets and a money changer are on level 1.

Families and accessibility

Nursery rooms are in the domestic and international arrival, departure and boarding areas. Free wheelchairs are available at the information counters, along with accessible restrooms and priority help for passengers with reduced mobility, seniors, expectant mothers and families with infants.

Tips for departing and arriving at Kualanamu Airport

Kualanamu advises arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and at least 3 hours before an international one. Check your airline's own advice too, as check-in times vary.

Check-in is on level 2. Arriving from Malaysia, you go through Indonesian immigration and customs before you leave the terminal. Check the current entry requirements for your passport before you travel. For updates on the day, use the Traveloka flight status page.

Flights and flight schedule from Kualanamu Airport

The fare cards on this page show fares from Medan to popular destinations. Further down, the flight schedule for Kualanamu Airport lists upcoming flights by date, with the airline and the departure and arrival times. It is a selection rather than every service, so use it to compare and then search your own dates.

Set a Price Alert if you want to wait for a better fare. Your e-ticket is emailed and saved in the Traveloka app once you book. Popular routes from Medan include:

• Medan to Kuala Lumpur flights
• Medan to Penang flights
• Medan to Singapore flights
• Medan to Jakarta flights
• Medan to Bali flights
• Medan to Batam flights
• Medan to Banda Aceh flights
• Medan to Bangkok (Don Mueang) flights

North Sumatra is closer than you might think. Find your Kualanamu flight on Traveloka and book it in a few taps.