About flights from Palembang (PLM)
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport sits in South Sumatra with the quiet confidence of a city that knows it doesn't need to compete with Jakarta for attention. Palembang is Indonesia's second-oldest city, and something of that age seeps into the pace of travel here — unhurried, a little old-world, nothing like the controlled chaos of Soekarno-Hatta. Nine direct routes spread across three countries. It's a modest network, but a useful one. For travelers, that modesty is actually an advantage. Shorter security lines, a terminal you can get through without a map, and connections that actually make geographic sense if you're moving through Sumatra or positioning for a regional hop into Malaysia or Singapore.
Quick stats for PLM
- Direct destinations: 9
- Countries served: 3
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 611 km
- Longest non-stop: Surabaya (SUB) — 1,025 km (~1h 17m)
- Shortest non-stop: Pangkal Pinang (PGK) — 180 km (~14 min)
- Reach score: 43/99
Why fly to Palembang?
The city earned its name in history — it was the heart of the Srivijaya maritime empire for centuries, and that legacy still shows in the food, the river culture, and the architecture along the Musi River. Coming here for the pempek alone is a reasonable justification for a flight. But practically speaking, PLM punches above its reach score of 43 for travelers already in the region. The Singapore route via Scoot is the one worth flagging. It's short, competitively priced when booked ahead, and opens up the whole Changi transit network for onward travel. Domestically, Garuda and Lion Air cover Jakarta reliably. The longest route on the board — Surabaya at just over 1,000 kilometers — makes the cross-Java-to-Sumatra connection easy without a layover. For regional explorers, this airport earns its place on the itinerary.
Longest non-stop flights from PLM
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Palembang:
- Surabaya, Indonesia (SUB) — 1,025 km, approximately 1h 17m
- Kuala Namu, Indonesia (KNO) — 973 km, approximately 1h 13m
- Yogyakarta, Indonesia (YIA) — 813 km, approximately 1h 1m
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL) — 710 km, approximately 53 min
- Singapore, Singapore (SIN) — 480 km, approximately 36 min
Short-haul flights from PLM
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Palembang:
- Pangkal Pinang, Indonesia (PGK) — 180 km, approximately 14 min
- Jakarta, Indonesia (CGK) — 420 km, approximately 32 min
- Jakarta, Indonesia (HLP) — 446 km, approximately 33 min
- Batam, Indonesia (BTH) — 452 km, approximately 34 min
- Singapore, Singapore (SIN) — 480 km, approximately 36 min
Top countries by direct connections from PLM
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Ii connects to 3 countries. Here are the most served:
- Indonesia — 7 destinations (Batam, Jakarta, Jakarta, Kuala Namu and 3 more)
- Malaysia — 1 destination (Kuala Lumpur)
- Singapore — 1 destination (Singapore)
Tips for travelers at PLM
The airport sits roughly 12 kilometers north of the city center. Taxis from the official rank are your safest bet — agree on the meter or a fixed rate before you get in. Ride-hailing apps work here and are generally cheaper if you're comfortable with the pickup logistics outside the terminal. Don't count on extensive English signage past the main departures hall. Fly during the dry season, May through September, if you want predictable connections. Sumatra's wet season can bring delays that ripple across the short-haul routes particularly. Get to the airport 90 minutes ahead for domestic, two hours for Singapore. The terminal is small enough that you won't need more time than that.
Airlines operating from PLM
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Ii:
AK, GA, ID, IP, JT, OD, QG, SJ, TR
Frequently asked questions about flying to Palembang
How do I get from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport to Palembang city center?
You can take a taxi or ride-sharing app like Grab from the airport to the city center, which takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 100,000-150,000 IDR. Some hotels also offer airport shuttle services, so it's worth checking when you book your accommodation.
What's the best time to fly to or from Palembang?
The dry season from May to September offers the most pleasant weather and is ideal for travel, though it's also the busier tourist season. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April or October.
How many destinations can I reach directly from Palembang airport?
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport has 9 direct destinations, connecting you to major cities across Indonesia and Southeast Asia without needing to change flights. This makes it convenient for both domestic and international travel.
Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia through Palembang airport?
Most visitors can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days under the B211A program, though some nationalities may need to arrange a visa in advance. It's best to check the current requirements on the Indonesian immigration website based on your passport.
What's a useful tip for Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport?
Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight, as the airport can get busy during peak hours, and signage is limited in English. Download the airport's app or take a photo of your terminal information to help get through more smoothly.
Are flights from Palembang airport budget-friendly?
Yes, several budget airlines operate from the airport, so you can often find competitive fares if you book in advance or travel during off-peak times. Comparing prices across different airlines can save you 30-50% compared to booking last-minute.
Plan your trip from Palembang
Browse the complete list of 9 destinations below to find your next flight from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Ii. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.