The new Mentawai Airport terminal features surf-themed decor welcoming arrivals
Modern terminal interior with "Welcome to Mentawai Airport" surfboard display
Last Updated: January 2026
The Mentawai Islands have entered a new era of accessibility. After decades of being reachable only by boat, you can now fly directly to the islands. The Indonesian government's $38.4 million investment in the New Mentawai Airport is transforming how surfers and tourists reach this remote paradise.
Photos and videos from inside the Cessna Caravan flying to Mentawai
View Flight Gallery →For years, the only airport in the Mentawai Islands was the tiny Rokot Sipora Airport - a small airstrip that could only handle Cessna aircraft carrying 12 passengers. The runway had eroded to just 800 meters due to coastal erosion, making it increasingly risky for even small planes.
Recognizing the islands' immense tourism potential, the Indonesian government embarked on an ambitious infrastructure project to transform air access to the Mentawais.
| Feature | Old Rokot Airport | New Mentawai Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Runway Length | 850m (eroded to ~800m) | 1,500m |
| Runway Width | 23m | 30m |
| Aircraft Capacity | Cessna Grand Caravan (12 pax) | ATR 72-600 (78 pax) |
| Annual Capacity | ~5,000 passengers | 53,881 passengers |
| Airlines | Charter only | Susi Air, future commercial carriers |
On October 25, 2023, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) personally inaugurated the New Mentawai Airport, highlighting its importance for national connectivity and tourism.
"Let us hope that by providing a landing ground for ATR planes, the airport will attract more tourists to come visit Mentawai Islands, especially those who love surfing. We hope that surfing tourism activities will flourish."
— President Joko Widodo
The President expressed optimism that the airport would enhance regional connectivity, facilitate business development, and elevate living standards for local communities.
Original Rokot Airport built with 900m runway
Runway erodes to ~800m due to coastal conditions, airport functionality limited
$38.4 million renovation project begins - new terminal and extended runway construction
President Jokowi inaugurates New Mentawai Airport with 1,500m runway
Susi Air begins regular scheduled flights from Padang
Runway extension fully completed, suitable for ATR aircraft operations
Wings Air launches commercial ATR flights (later suspended)
Government working to establish regular commercial routes with multiple airlines
Route: Padang (PDG) → Rokot/Mentawai (RKI)
Flight Time: 40 minutes
Schedule: 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Departure: 07:00 from Padang
Aircraft: Cessna Grand Caravan
Ticket Prices (approximate):
Baggage Allowance (as of Feb 2025):
Susi Air does NOT allow surfboards. If you're bringing boards, you'll need to use the Mentawai Fast Ferry or arrange separate board transport.
Susi Air flights are ideal for:
The West Sumatra Provincial Government is actively working to establish regular commercial routes with larger airlines:
The government has proposed a subsidy program to encourage airlines to establish regular routes to Mentawai.
The new airport is expected to significantly boost tourism to the Mentawai Islands:
Rokot Airport is located in Sipora, near the town of Tuapeijat. Transfers to resorts:
Most resorts arrange transfers from the airport - confirm arrangements when booking.
The Indonesian government has ambitious plans for Mentawai tourism:
The new airport is a game-changer for surf travel to the Mentawais. While the ferry remains the best option for those traveling with boards, the airport opens up new possibilities:
The wave quality hasn't changed - Hollow Trees still delivers world-class barrels. Getting there is just a bit easier now!