Praya, W Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The number of passengers at Lombok International Airport, West Nusa Tenggara, began to increase ahead of the World Superbike (WSBK) racing event at the Mandalika Circuit, on November 19-21, 2021.
According to the Public Relations officer of state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I at Lombok International Airport, Arif Haryanto, the upcoming WSBK has caused a 21-percent spike in passenger numbers as compared to before.
"The aircraft passengers at Lombok Airport increased by around 21 percent," he remarked in Praya Sub-district, Central Lombok District of West Nusa Tenggara on Wednesday.
Citing data recorded on passenger movements, Haryanto noted that on average, four thousand passengers arrived at and departed from Lombok Airport, as per November 15, on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, as compared to October 2021, on an average, 3,300 passengers per day were recorded.
Meanwhile, 40 aircraft arrived at and departed from Lombok Airport per day as the WSBK draws closer. In October, some 30 planes were arriving and departing daily.
"Aircraft movements increased by about 20 percent. Hopefully, it would improve even further," Haryanto stated.
Earlier, several facilities at Lombok Airport were developed and completed and thus are ready to support and welcome the arrival of logistics and spectators at the IATC and WSBK events to be held at the Mandalika Circuit.
"The construction work for runway extension, cargo terminal expansion, and improvement of other supporting facilities at Lombok Airport is complete and ready to support the WSBK," Haryanto pointed out.
In addition to facilities, the security system at the airport has also been enhanced.
"Security simulation at Lombok Airport aims to test the emergency management procedures as stipulated in the Airport Security Program (PKBU) document," Lombok Airport General Manager Nugroho Jati noted.
Jati explained that these preparations regarding security were aimed at improving personnel capabilities and were based on a common perception and each personnel's action in specific cases.
According to Jati, personnel from several related agencies that are members of the Airport Security Committee (ASC) are tasked with supporting the smooth implementation of the IATC and WSBK.
