PASSENGER TERMINAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS IN 2045 AT MELAAN AIRPORT, WEST KUTAI

Abstract

Air transportation in Indonesia plays a strategic role in strengthening inter-island connectivity, accelerating population mobility, and driving economic growth, tourism, and equitable development. As the world's largest archipelagic nation, its vast geographical distances make airplanes an effective mode of transportation for reaching remote areas. Melalan Airport, located in West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, is a Class III airport serving as a vital link between inland areas and growth centers such as Balikpapan. The airport serves the Melak–Balikpapan and Melak–Datah Dawai routes and is managed by the West Kutai Regency Government. Despite its important role, the airport currently only has a terminal building area of 325 m² with a capacity of 109 passengers per hour. This study aims to analyze projected passenger numbers until 2045 and calculate terminal space requirements to meet future demand. This study uses a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis and a simple linear regression model to project passenger growth. The results indicate a significant increase in passenger numbers, necessitating terminal expansion. Based on projections, the total terminal area required in 2045 is 2,454 m², with a projected peak-hour passenger count of 367. These findings indicate that the current terminal capacity is inadequate to accommodate future growth and requires infrastructure planning for further expansion.