Airport
Soewondo Air Force Base (MES)
Soewondo Air Force Base is a military airbase in central Medan that previously operated as Polonia International Airport, the city's main air gateway to North Sumatra. Commercial flights now use nearby Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), with onward connections to Medan city centre, Lake Toba, Berastagi and nearby destinations.
Passengers
Luggage
About Soewondo Air Force Base
Soewondo Air Force Base is a military airbase in central Medan, North Sumatra, and the former site of Polonia International Airport. For decades it served as Medan's principal air gateway for domestic and international travel before commercial passenger services ended on 25 July 2013.
The airport opened in 1928 and later operated with separate international and domestic terminal buildings, connecting Medan with destinations across Indonesia and abroad. When Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) opened, scheduled flights and civil aviation moved to the new facility, and the site was returned to the Indonesian Air Force as Soewondo Air Force Base.
Located about 2 km from downtown Medan, the base sits close to the city centre, which historically made airport transfers short and convenient. Today, the base does not handle public commercial flights, and the site is used for military aviation purposes.
Commercial travellers arriving in the Medan area now use Kualanamu International Airport, which is connected to the city by rail, road, taxis, private transfers and rental cars. Medan continues to serve as the main gateway to North Sumatra and nearby destinations such as Lake Toba and Berastagi.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Soewondo Air Force Base no longer operates commercial passenger terminals. During its time as Polonia International Airport, the facility used separate international and domestic terminal buildings, and passenger services ended in July 2013 when flights moved to Kualanamu International Airport.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Soewondo Air Force Base
Transfers
Arrange private transfers around central Medan and the Soewondo Air Force Base area, or onward connections to hotels, business districts and Kualanamu International Airport.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the Soewondo area, business meetings, events or journeys around Medan.
Car Rental
Rent a car for independent travel around Medan, the Soewondo area and onward journeys to destinations across North Sumatra.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Medan, the Soewondo Air Force Base area, hotels, event venues and Kualanamu International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
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