The expansion of the Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Pekanbaru is expected to be completed in 2014 (one year ahead of schedule), despite a pending land dispute. The project commenced in 2010 with a budget of Rp 2 trillion that was sourced from the national budget, the Riau regional budget, and state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II’s budget. The first phase of the airport’s apron expansion, situated on the former passenger terminal, is almost finished. The second stage of the expansion project will kick off in June 2013. The apron’s total area would be 58,410 square metres; thus, it would be able to accommodate up to 13 B737-900 aircraft, up from the earlier handling capacity of seven such aircraft. The new apron will be in operation in 2014.
