Kulon Progo to Have International Airport

Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta (Antara) - PT Angkasa Pura I said it will build an international airport in the regency of Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. General Manager of the state airport operator Andi G Wirson said land clearing for the airport project is to be carried out in 2014. "The main reason for planning to build a new airport in Kulon Progo is that Yogyakarta's Adi Sutjipto airport could no longer handle growing number of air travelers to and from the district," Andi told the Kulon Progo district legislative assembly at a meeting here on Thursday. The choice of Kulon Progo was also based on recommendation of international and local consults, which have carried out feasibility study on the project, he said. In the first phase the airport would have a runway of 3,000 meters long enough to accommodate wide bodied aircraft, he said. Also included in the project is an Airport City which will have hotel, airport hospital, and other facilities, he said. In cooperation with state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), an airport railway would be built to facilitate transport to the airport. The facilities are expected to help boost economic development in the district, he said. (*)