Key Takeaways
• SSP signed a seven-year contract to run food outlets at Kualanamu International Airport starting June 2025.
• Brands like Burger King, Dairy Queen, and OldTown White Coffee will serve passengers after security checks.
• Kualanamu plans to expand passenger capacity to 22 million by 2030 with new food and cargo services.
SSP Expands Food and Beverage Operations at Kualanamu International Airport
On June 3, 2025, SSP Group announced a major step forward in its business in Indonesia 🇮🇩. The company revealed it had signed a seven-year contract to run several food and beverage outlets at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan. This move, carried out through its joint venture PT SSP Taurus Gemilang Indonesia, brings new dining choices to travelers and marks a significant investment in the country’s aviation sector. The announcement was followed by more details released on June 9, 2025, showing the company’s commitment to growing its presence in Indonesia 🇮🇩.
Let’s break down what this means for travelers, airport workers, local businesses, and the wider region.
Who is SSP and What is the New Deal?
SSP is a global company that specializes in running restaurants, cafes, and food outlets in airports and travel locations. The new contract at Kualanamu International Airport means SSP, through its local joint venture PT SSP Taurus Gemilang Indonesia (a partnership with PT Taurus Gemilang), will operate several well-known food brands inside the airport’s domestic terminal. These outlets will be located airside, which means after passengers have passed through security.
What Brands Will Be Available?
Travelers at Kualanamu International Airport can look forward to a mix of international and regional favorites, including:
- Burger King (well-known global fast-food chain)
- Dairy Queen (famous for ice cream and fast food)
- OldTown White Coffee (Malaysia’s largest halal-certified coffee chain, popular for its coffee and local dishes)
This combination aims to meet the tastes of both local and international travelers, offering familiar options as well as regional specialties.
Why is This Important?
The expansion is a big deal for several reasons:
- Improved Passenger Experience: More food choices mean travelers can enjoy better meals and drinks while waiting for flights.
- Boost to Local Economy: The new outlets will create jobs and support local suppliers.
- Strengthening Indonesia’s Aviation Sector: By bringing in trusted international brands, Kualanamu International Airport can attract more passengers and improve its reputation as a modern travel hub.
Where Else Does SSP Operate in Indonesia?
This is not SSP’s first project in Indonesia 🇮🇩. The company already runs food and beverage services at:
- I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali
- Juanda International Airport in Surabaya
- Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan
The new contract at Kualanamu International Airport builds on this experience and shows SSP’s long-term interest in the country.
Official Statements: What Do the Leaders Say?
Jonathan Robinson, CEO of SSP Asia Pacific, shared his excitement:
“Following our announcement to enter into the Indonesian market last year, we are delighted to have secured this new contract to bring some truly great dining options to even more passengers in Indonesia. We very much look forward to working with our joint venture partner Taurus Gemilang in bringing the best food and beverage options for customers at Kualanamu International Airport.”
Kedar Deshpande, Director Commercial & Business Development at PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi (the airport’s management company), added:
“We’re thrilled to elevate the airport experience at Kualanamu International with new food and beverage options for our guests. This partnership brings a curated mix of local favorites and top Asian brands to travellers. We’re excited for passengers to enjoy this fresh culinary experience and thrilled to partner with a leading F&B brand operator SSP and PT Taurus Gemilang through their joint venture.”
Who Manages Kualanamu International Airport?
Kualanamu International Airport is managed by PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi, a joint venture between PT Angkasa Pura and GMR. This management team was chosen after a competitive process that attracted 19 investors from across ASEAN, Europe, and East Asia. Their goal is to make Kualanamu a leading airport in Indonesia 🇮🇩 and the wider region.
Key Facts About Kualanamu International Airport
- Fifth-largest airport in Indonesia 🇮🇩
- 8 million passengers in 2019
- 75% domestic, 25% international travelers
- 23 kilometers from Medan city, with direct rail connections
- Serves an urban population of about 5 million in Medan, North Sumatra
Development Plans: What’s Next for the Airport?
Kualanamu International Airport is not standing still. There are big plans to grow and modernize the airport:
- Current terminal capacity: 8 million passengers per year
- Planned expansion: 17 million passengers by 2024
- Long-term goal: 22 million passengers per year by 2030
- Warehouse area: Expanding from 13,000 to 27,318 square meters
The airport’s management wants to turn Kualanamu into a major international hub in western Indonesia 🇮🇩. There are also plans to develop an “aerocity” (a city built around the airport) with an estimated investment of US$500 million.
Recent Changes in Airport Operations
The SSP expansion is just one part of a bigger picture. In May 2025, Çelebi Aviation, a global leader in airport ground handling and cargo services, started running a new cargo terminal at Kualanamu International Airport. This terminal is 8,000 square meters in size and handled 58,000 tons of cargo last year.
Specialized Cargo Services Include:
- Dangerous goods (items that could be harmful if not handled properly)
- Perishables and pharmaceuticals (items that need to stay cold or have special care)
- Live animals and valuables
- Express and e-commerce cargo (fast delivery packages)
- Integrated customs solutions (helping goods move quickly through customs checks)
Dave Dorner, Group CEO of Çelebi Aviation, said:
“The launch of our operations in Kualanamu marks a proud and strategic moment for us. We are beginning a new chapter in a high-potential market like Indonesia. Our cargo terminal at KNO is strategically located to support trade and logistics in the Sumatra region, and we are committed to delivering the highest standards of operational excellence to meet the needs of this critical local market.”
Who is GMR and What is Their Role?
GMR is a major airport operator from India 🇮🇳 and a key partner in managing Kualanamu International Airport. GMR’s experience includes running:
- Delhi International Airport
- Hyderabad International Airport
- Manohar International Airport in Goa
GMR is also expanding globally, with bids for:
- Terminal 2 at Kuwait Airport
- Abha Airport project in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- A new airport in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh (opening March 2026)
- An airport development project in Crete, Greece 🇬🇷
GMR’s airports saw a 20% increase in passenger traffic in FY24, reaching 120.8 million passengers, and a 12% rise in air traffic movements to 781,500.
Why Does This Matter for Indonesia and the Region?
Kualanamu International Airport is more than just a place for planes to land and take off. It is a key part of the region’s economy and trade:
- Exports: The airport helps local businesses export fish, agricultural products, and goods from plantations.
- Regional Growth: As North Sumatra’s economy grows, the airport supports more jobs and business opportunities.
- Strategic Location: Kualanamu is a bridge between Indonesia 🇮🇩 and important markets like Singapore 🇸🇬 and Malaysia 🇲🇾.
- Urban Impact: Medan, with its 5 million people, relies on the airport for travel, business, and tourism.
How Does This Affect Different Groups?
Travelers:
Passengers will have more food choices, better services, and a more comfortable experience at the airport. This is especially important for families, business travelers, and international visitors who may want familiar brands or local flavors.
Airport Workers:
The new outlets and expanded cargo services mean more jobs, from cooks and servers to logistics and customs staff. Training and career opportunities will grow as the airport expands.
Local Businesses:
Suppliers of food, drinks, and other goods will benefit from new contracts and partnerships. Local farmers and producers may find new markets for their products through the airport’s cargo services.
The Region:
A modern, well-run airport attracts more flights, tourists, and business travelers. This can lead to more investment in hotels, shops, and other services in Medan and North Sumatra.
What Does This Mean for Immigration and International Travel?
As Kualanamu International Airport grows, it will handle more international flights and travelers. This means:
- More efficient immigration checks: With more passengers, the airport will need to keep immigration lines moving quickly and smoothly.
- Better facilities for international arrivals: New restaurants and services will help travelers feel welcome and comfortable.
- Support for visa and customs processes: The airport’s management will work closely with immigration and customs officials to make sure rules are followed and travelers have the help they need.
For official information on Indonesia’s immigration and airport entry requirements, travelers can visit the Directorate General of Immigration, Republic of Indonesia.
How Does This Fit Into Indonesia’s Bigger Plans?
Indonesia 🇮🇩 is investing heavily in its airports and aviation sector. The goal is to:
- Make travel easier and more pleasant for everyone
- Attract more tourists and business visitors
- Support local businesses and exports
- Create jobs and boost the economy
The partnership between SSP, PT SSP Taurus Gemilang Indonesia, and PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi is a good example of how international and local companies can work together to improve services and grow the economy.
What Should Travelers and Stakeholders Do Next?
- Travelers: Look forward to new food and drink options at Kualanamu International Airport. Check the airport’s website or information boards for updates on new outlets and services.
- Job Seekers: Watch for job openings at the new restaurants, cafes, and cargo terminal. Training and career growth opportunities are likely to increase.
- Local Businesses: Explore ways to supply goods or services to the airport’s new outlets and cargo operations.
- Government and Immigration Officials: Continue to work with airport management to ensure smooth immigration, customs, and security processes as passenger numbers grow.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Kualanamu International Airport
The expansion of SSP’s operations at Kualanamu International Airport, through PT SSP Taurus Gemilang Indonesia, is a sign of Indonesia’s growing importance in regional and global travel. With more food choices, better cargo services, and ambitious plans for the future, the airport is set to play a bigger role in connecting people, businesses, and countries.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments highlight the value of strong partnerships between international and local companies in building world-class airport facilities. For everyone who travels through or works at Kualanamu International Airport, these changes promise a brighter, more connected future.
For more details about Indonesia’s airport and immigration policies, visit the official Directorate General of Immigration website.
Key Takeaways:
- SSP, through PT SSP Taurus Gemilang Indonesia, will run several new food outlets at Kualanamu International Airport.
- The airport is expanding to serve more passengers and handle more cargo.
- Travelers, workers, and local businesses will all benefit from these changes.
- Kualanamu is becoming a major hub for travel and trade in western Indonesia.
- Stay updated on new services and opportunities as the airport continues to grow.
Learn Today
SSP → Global company managing food and beverage outlets at airports and travel locations worldwide.
PT SSP Taurus Gemilang Indonesia → Local joint venture between SSP and PT Taurus Gemilang managing airport food services in Indonesia.
Airside → Area in an airport beyond security checkpoints accessible only to passengers and staff.
Aerocity → A planned urban development built around an airport to enhance business and transport connectivity.
Çelebi Aviation → Global company providing ground handling and cargo services at airports including Kualanamu.
This Article in a Nutshell
SSP’s new contract at Kualanamu Airport brings popular global and regional food brands, enhancing travelers’ dining experience and boosting local economy amid airport expansion plans.
— By VisaVerge.com
