RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has shifted its focus to the North Sumatran gateway of Kualanamu International Airport, to ensure the safety of thousands of travelers heading home for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. The aviation authorities have launched an intensive oversight campaign, prioritizing technical airworthiness and operational safety at one of the nation’s busiest hubs.

Acting Head of Public Relations and General Affairs for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Endah Purnama Sari, confirmed on Friday, March 20, 2026, that direct supervision is being tightened to manage the overlap of the Nyepi holiday and the Lebaran peak.

“Facing the Nyepi and Lebaran 2026 holiday period, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation is carrying out air transportation supervision activities at Kualanamu International Airport, Medan),” she said in a release from Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

The strategic importance of Kualanamu in serving the North Sumatra region has prompted officials to conduct a high volume of "ramp inspections." Head of the Regional II Airport Authority Office in Medan, Asri Santosa revealed that inspectors have already performed 40 comprehensive checks on aircraft to verify technical safety and documentation.

“Therefore, supervision is carried out continuously to ensure that all aviation service providers carry out operations in accordance with regulations,” Asri explained.

These inspections cover everything from verifying aircraft documents and technical airworthiness to checking the validity of flight crew licenses and the functionality of onboard safety equipment, providing a guarantee of security for the traveling public.

Data from the 2026 Lebaran Transport Command Post shows a subtle shift in travel patterns at Kualanamu. Between March 16 and 18, aircraft movements reached 509 flights, a slight 1.2 percent increase compared to the 503 flights recorded during the same period last year.

While flight frequency rose, passenger numbers saw a marginal adjustment. Total passengers reached 75,517, down approximately 1.1 percent from last year's 76,389. However, officials noted that these figures still reflect a massive level of community mobility.

In contrast, cargo movement experienced a significant 28.1 percent drop, falling from 697 tons last year to 501 tons this year, though logistics distribution remains steady. Despite the slight dip in passenger volume, domestic routes to North Sumatra via Kualanamu remain a top choice for travelers.

“This can be seen from the movement of passengers which has remained high in the last few days,” Asri observed, adding that operations have successfully accommodated the public's needs ahead of the peak travel surge.

To maintain this stability, the Ministry is fostering close coordination with stakeholders including the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri), AirNav Indonesia, and immigration authorities. The goal remains a "safe, secure, and comfortable" flight period throughout the 2026 holiday season. ***