Alor Island - Mali Airport (ARD)
Kabola, ID 🇮🇩 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
WATM
IATA
ARD
Elevation
10 ft
Region
ID-NT
Local Time
Loading...
Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: WATM
Local Code: Not available
Location: -8.13234° N, 124.597° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Small Airport
What Travelers Say
Share Your Tip
Help fellow travelers by sharing your experience at Alor Island - Mali Airport. Tips are reviewed before publishing.
Online Reviews Summary
Travelers generally report a positive experience at Alor Island - Mali Airport (WATM (ARD)), describing it as a cozy, clean, and well-organized regional air hub. The airport is noted for its friendly staff and offers an aesthetic experience with picturesque views upon landing.
What Travelers Love
- Overall Atmosphere and Staff: The airport leaves a pleasant impression with its cleanliness, order, and typical Indonesian hospitality, creating a friendly atmosphere. Travelers appreciate the sincere smiles of the staff.
- Terminal Design and Ease of Navigation: The single compact passenger terminal is designed in a modern style with traditional Indonesian architectural elements and is laid out on one level, making it easy to navigate.
- Scenic Views: The runway's position allows passengers to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and traditional villages during landing.
- Active Modernization: The airport has seen significant improvements in recent years, including runway reconstruction and terminal renovation, making flights more regular and safer.
Common Complaints
- Limited Financial Services: There is only one ATM, which is not always reliable, and no currency exchange offices in the terminal, making it essential to exchange money beforehand. Bank cards are rarely accepted.
- Manual Processes and Potential Delays: The manual baggage screening and check-in process can take longer than expected, especially with large groups. Flight operations are highly dependent on weather conditions, and delays are common on regional routes.
- Strict Baggage Allowances: Flights are typically operated on ATR 72 aircraft, which have strict weight and size restrictions for luggage.
- Limited Direct Connectivity: The airport primarily serves domestic flights connecting to Kupang, the provincial capital, with Wings Air being the main carrier.
Alor Island - Mali Airport serves as a vital gateway to Alor Island, offering a pleasant and efficient start to a trip despite its modest size and reliance on manual processes. While amenities are minimal, the airport's charm, cleanliness, and friendly local atmosphere contribute to a generally satisfying traveler experience.
Researching traveler experiences online...
Community Tips
No community tips yet for Alor Island - Mali Airport.
Be the first to share a helpful tip for fellow travelers!
Current Weather Conditions
Loading weather data...
Search flights from this airport
Compare ticket prices across hundreds of booking sites
Airport Routes
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Tari (Eltari) | KOE |
Kupang | AT72 | Wings Abadi | 17 flights · 155 mi |
Top Airlines
Operating at Alor Island - Mali AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wings Abadi
WON
/ IW
|
1 | 17 | 1 | May 9, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
03/21 |
4586 ft | 90 ft | ASP | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| INFO | INFO | 449.5 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis at Mali Airport are typically private cars or minivans, not formal metered services. You will also find 'ojeks' (motorcycle taxis). These services are readily available outside the terminal, especially after a flight has landed. It is essential to negotiate and agree on a fare with the driver before beginning your trip.
Rental Cars
There are no major international car rental companies with desks at the airport. Car or scooter rentals are usually arranged in advance through local providers, hotels, or tour operators. Renting a car often includes a driver, which is a common and recommended practice for visitors unfamiliar with the local roads.
Public Transportation
There is no formal, scheduled public bus service that directly serves the airport terminal. The primary form of public transport on Alor Island is the 'bemo' (shared minivans that run on set routes). To catch a bemo, you would likely need to walk from the airport to the main road, making it an inconvenient option if you have luggage.
Nearby Airports
Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
Dili, TL
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
Dili, TL
Medium Airport Scheduled Service