Citilink to Relocate Soekarno-Hatta Flights in March 2025: A Deep Dive into the Terminal Shift

Starting March 15, 2025, Citilink Indonesia will move all its Soekarno-Hatta Airport flights. Domestic routes will operate from Terminal 1B, while international routes will shift to Terminal 2F.This notable change aims to enhance passenger experience and optimize airport capacity, aligning with a broader strategic roadmap for Soekarno-Hatta’s future.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Move

The relocation is part of a larger initiative to increase Soekarno-Hatta’s passenger capacity from 56 million to 90 million. maya Watono, Injurney President Director, explained that the move stems from a comprehensive “rebalancing” strategy designed to maximize terminal efficiency.

Terminal Specialization

The roadmap approved by the Ministry of SOEs dictates a specialization model for Soekarno-Hatta’s terminals:

• Terminal 3: Designated exclusively for full Service Carrier (FSC) flights and international routes.
• Terminal 2: To handle international Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) flights and specialized Umrah services.
• Terminal 1: Will handle domestic LCC flights.

Impact and Passenger Experience

Ade R. Susardi, garuda Indonesia Commerce Director, emphasized the potential benefits for passengers: “There was a transfer from Citilink in Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. So for domestic movement to Terminal 1B and International to Terminal 2F as of March 15,” Susardi said at a press conference, acknowledging the importance of clear dialog to avoid passenger confusion.

To facilitate the transition, Citilink will provide shuttle services connecting Gate 3 of Terminal 3 to both Terminal 1B and Terminal 2F. This ensures a smooth transfer for passengers adjusting to the new arrangement. However, it is crucial for airlines to ensure seamless transfers between terminals, especially for passengers with connecting international flights. A 2023 study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that inefficient terminal transfers can considerably impact passenger satisfaction and airline operational efficiency. IATA

Actionable Advice for Travelers

With the relocation date fast approaching,Citilink passengers flying through Soekarno-Hatta should take note of these key changes to ensure a seamless travel experience:

• Verify Your terminal: Double-check your flight itinerary to confirm whether your flight departs from Terminal 1B (domestic) or Terminal 2F (international).
• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport with ample time to navigate to the correct terminal, especially if you are accustomed to using Terminal 3.
• Utilize Shuttle Services: Take advantage of the provided shuttle service from Gate 3,Terminal 3.
• Stay Informed: Monitor Citilink’s official website and social media channels for real-time updates and potential changes.
• Check-in Online: Save time by checking in online and downloading your boarding pass to your mobile device. This can reduce waiting times at the airport.

Looking Ahead: capacity and Efficiency Gains

The operational shifts are anticipated to enhance Soekarno-Hatta’s overall capacity. According to Watono, “With the optimization of the terminal in Soekarno-Hatta, which was once a capacity of 56 million, we can capture a capacity of 90 million.” This represents a significant increase and aligns with Indonesia’s growing aviation sector.

Susardi added,”so as not to be mistaken,so that it can be in accordance with the flight plan. This is carried out this month, soon March 15. So, this is indeed our announcement,” reinforcing the importance of passenger awareness.

Conclusion

The relocation of Citilink flights at Soekarno-Hatta Airport signifies a strategic move to optimize capacity and improve passenger experience. By specializing terminals and providing dedicated shuttle services, stakeholders aim to create a smoother, more efficient travel hub. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly to ensure a hassle-free journey. Stay tuned for updates on further developments at Soekarno-hatta Airport. Check your bookings now and plan accordingly to ensure a seamless experience on and after March 15, 2025!

What specific passenger experience improvements, beyond terminal relocation, can passengers expect due to this restructuring?

Citilink Soekarno-Hatta Terminal Relocation: An ExpertS perspective

Citilink Indonesia is set to move all its Soekarno-Hatta Airport flights starting March 15, 2025. To understand the implications, Archyde spoke with aviation expert, Dr. Anya Sharma, Director of Aviation Strategy at StratAir Consulting.

understanding the soekarno-Hatta terminal Shift

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Citilink’s move to Terminal 1B for domestic and Terminal 2F for international flights is a meaningful change. What’s the big picture here from a strategic standpoint?

Dr. Sharma: Thanks for having me. This relocation is part of a larger “rebalancing” of Soekarno-Hatta, as Injurney President director Maya Watono described. The goal is to specialize each terminal – Terminal 3 for full-service carriers and international routes, Terminal 2 for international low-cost carriers (LCCs) and Umrah services, and terminal 1 focusing on domestic LCC flights like Citilink. This specialization aims to increase the airport’s overall passenger capacity and improve efficiency.

Impact on Passenger Experience and Check-in Times

Archyde: Ade R. Susardi from Garuda Indonesia emphasized clear dialog to avoid passenger confusion. What are the critical factors for a smooth transition for passengers navigating the Soekarno-Hatta airport?

Dr. Sharma: Communication is key. Citilink needs to proactively inform passengers about the terminal changes through all available channels – email, website, app, and social media. Clear signage within the Soekarno-hatta terminals is also crucial. Passengers should double-check their flight itineraries, arrive early, and utilize Citilink’s provided shuttle service from Gate 3 in Terminal 3. Online check-in and mobile boarding passes will also save time at the airport. The airline needs to ensure adequate staffing for passenger guidance in the initial stages.

Addressing Transfer Challenges

Archyde: A potential pain point is connecting flights, especially international ones. What steps should Citilink and soekarno-Hatta Airport take to minimize transfer disruptions?

Dr. Sharma: Seamless transfers are vital. Citilink needs to collaborate closely with ground handling services to ensure baggage transfers are efficient.The shuttle service connecting terminals must be reliable and frequent. Real-time flight details displays throughout the airport should clearly indicate gate changes and transfer routes. Passengers with tight connections might benefit from dedicated assistance or expedited transfer lanes and better customer support. The airport needs to measure transfer times and identify bottlenecks to continually improve these processes and airport layout.

Looking Ahead: Capacity and Efficiency

archyde: The ultimate goal is to boost Soekarno-Hatta’s capacity from 56 million to 90 million passengers. Are these terminal changes enough, or are further infrastructure developments needed to achieve that target and faster baggage claim times?

Dr. Sharma: The terminal specialization is a good first step, but achieving that aspiring capacity target will likely require additional infrastructure investments such as new taxiways, runway improvements, and modernized baggage handling systems, especially considering the increase use of air travel. Automation and technology like biometric boarding can also play a significant role. Continuous monitoring of passenger flow and operational performance is necessary to identify and address any bottlenecks that may arise.

A Final Thought

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, what’s one question you think passengers should be asking Citilink or Soekarno-Hatta Airport about this move that they may not be considering already?

Dr. Sharma: I think passengers should be asking how this change will specifically benefit *them*. Are there upgrades to terminal amenities planned, are there new restaurants or shopping options to expect in the new terminals? It’s critically important to keep the passenger experience central to the communication around this move as changes in travel plans are an opportunity to improve facilities so the passenger’s journey is not just a flight, but an entire improved experience.