Manggar Airfield

The designation 'Manggar Airfield' and the ICAO code 'ID-0252' are historical. The airfield was not closed but evolved into a modern public airport. The name change to 'Sepinggan Airport' was formalized around 1960 as part of its development into a primary civilian facility for the region. It was later renamed 'Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport' in 2014.

The site of the historical Manggar Airfield is now the fully operational Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport (IATA: BPN, ICAO: WALL). The coordinates provided (-1.200426, 116.97577) point directly to the runway of this active airport. It is one of the busiest airports in Indonesia and a major hub for the island of Borneo (Kalimantan), featuring a modern passenger terminal, extensive cargo facilities, and a single 2,500-meter runway. It serves numerous domestic and international destinations.

Manggar Airfield holds significant historical importance. It was originally built in the 1930s by the Dutch oil company, Bataafsche Petroleum Maatschappij (BPM), to support oil operations in East Kalimantan. During World War II, it became a critical strategic asset. The airfield was captured by Japanese forces in January 1942. In July 1945, it was the site of a major amphibious assault by the Australian 7th Division during the Battle of Balikpapan (Operation Oboe Two), one of the final large-scale Allied campaigns of the Pacific War. After the war, it was rebuilt and became the primary air gateway to East Kalimantan, supporting the booming oil, gas, and timber industries. It initially handled aircraft like the Douglas DC-3 and progressively upgraded to accommodate larger jet aircraft.

Not applicable, as the airport is currently open and operating as a major international airport under a different name.