New Mentawai Airport

New Mentawai Airport is a new airport under construction in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. The airport will replace Sipora Rokot Airport. It will aim to boost inter regional connectivity around the Mentawai Islands and is expected to enhance the tourism sector in the islands as well as improve access to the islands in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. The islands' current Sipora Rokot Airport is only able to handle small Cessna aircraft, not suitable for the transportation of supplies in a natural disaster. 

Nov-2023. West Sumatra's Province Transportation Service head Dedi Diantolani stated government continues to lobby Citilink, Lion Air and Pelita Air Service (PAS) to operate services from New Mentawai Airport Mr Diantolani stated: "Currently we are still trying to get airlines that have ATR type aircraft with a capacity of 78 people to enter Mentawai Airport". Mentawai Islands Regency Government plans to prepare a subsidy scheme for the airlines to open services from the airport. 

Oct-2023. Indonesia's President Joko Widodo announced the inauguration of Mentawai Airport. The airport operates a 1500m runway.

Mar-2023. Indonesia's Director General of Civil Aviation Maria Kristi Endah Murni stated construction of New Mentawai Airport is due to be completed by the end of Mar-2023. The airport will replace Sipora Rokot Airport and is aiming to serve ATR 72 aircraft with a new runway of 1500m x 30m. The airport will also have a 1610sqm terminal and several supporting facilities, including a cargo terminal and operational buildings. The renovation of the airport aims improve connectivity between regions around the Mentawai Islands.

Nov-2021. Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi reported construction of New Mentawai Airport in the West Sumatra Province would be completed in Aug-2022. Mr Sumadi stated the airport will replace Sipora Rokot Airport which currently has an 850m long runway and can only accommodate Grand Caravan aircraft. The ministry has prepared a budget of IDR547 billion (USD38.4 million) for construction, which is currently 42% completed. The airport will later be equipped with several facilities including a longer runway of 1500 x 30m. It will also be equipped with an apron spanning 175 x 75m, a taxiway of 75 x 15m that can accommodate three ATR 72 500/600 type aircraft and a passenger terminal spanning 1600sqm that can accommodate 53,881 passengers p/a.

Jan-2015. The West Sumatra Provincial Government plans to submit a proposal for the construction of a new airport in the Mentawai Islands, according to the department of communication head Amran. Mr Amran advised the government is requesting approval for a new airport which could enable larger aircraft operations to replace the existing Sipora Rokot Airport.