Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport

Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (BTJ), the principal gateway to Banda Aceh and northern Sumatra, traces its roots back to the mid-20th century (opened circa the 1950s) and today operates from one main passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights. The medium-sized airport is vital for regional travel and tourism—serving as the primary air link for Aceh’s capital, nearby tsunami memorials and island getaways—and sits roughly 13 km from downtown Banda Aceh with regular taxis, airport shuttles and local buses providing connections. BTJ is generally budget-friendly with a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink and Wings Air serving regular routes; it’s not a major international hub but functions as an important regional base for northern Sumatra.