Big news for travelers and surfers heading to the Mentawai Islands. Wings Air has officially launched direct flights from Padang to Mentawai!
Starting March 28, 2025, this new route eliminates the need for the long and sometimes unpredictable 4-hour ferry ride, making the journey faster, easier, and more convenient. With twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays, reaching the world-famous waves of Mentawai just became a whole lot simpler.
This new flight route follows the recent expansion of the Mentawai airport runway, allowing for increased air traffic, and comes just after the doubling of the Mentawai surf tax, which, while controversial, signals growing investment in the region’s infrastructure.
Whether you’re a surfer looking to maximize wave time, a tourist eager to explore the islands, or a business traveler needing a quick connection, these flights are a game-changer.
Here’s everything you need to know about the schedule, booking process, and what this means for travel in the Mentawai Islands.
Key Takeaways
- New direct flights: Wings Air now flies Padang (PDG) → Mentawai (RKI) starting March 28, 2025.
- Travel time reduced: Skip the 4-hour ferry and fly in just under 1 hour.
- Flight schedule: Operates Mondays & Fridays, with departures from Padang at 10:30 AM.
- Traveling with surfboards: Allowed, but strict policies apply—max length 200cm, IDR 1,000,000 handling fee per board.
- Booking available: Tickets can be purchased via the BookCabin app (Lion Air Group) and Lion Air website from March 6, 2025.
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Why This is Big News for Mentawai Travelers
Previously, travelers relied on the Mentawai Fast Ferry from Padang to Mentawai, making trips longer and less convenient.
Faster access for surfers and tourists, allowing for more time in the waves and less time commuting while also allowing people who were put of by the lengthy ferry ride to experience Mentawai.
The launch of the new Wings Air Padang to Mentawai flights coincides with recent developments, including:
- Expansion of Mentawai’s airport runway → now able to accommodate more and larger aircraft.
- Increase in Mentawai’s surf tax → More surfers = more tax income.
- Increase in Wings Air Surfboard Fees → Effective May 12, 2024, Wings air increased its surfboard fees from 200k per board to 1,000,000 (One Million) IDR per board, per leg.
Wings Air Padang to Mentawai Flight Schedule & Booking Details
Padand – Mentawai Flight Schedule (Starting March 28, 2025)
| Route | Flight No. | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Days |
| Padang (PDG) → Mentawai (RKI) | IW-1762 | 10:30 AM | 11:20 AM | Monday, Friday |
| Mentawai (RKI) → Padang (PDG) | IW-1763 | 11:40 AM | 12:30 PM | Monday, Friday |
How to Book Tickets
- Available on the BookCabin app (Lion Air Group)
- Through the Lion Air Website or download Lion Air app
- Tickets can be purchased starting March 6, 2025.
- Online check-in available through the Wings Air app.
What Travelers Need to Know
Aircraft Details
- Wings Air operates an ATR 72-500 / ATR 72-600 for this route.
- Capacity: 70 passengers
- Ideal for short-haul flights, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Surfboard & Baggage Policy
Wings Air allows you to fly with surfboards, but strict policies apply:
- Maximum length: 200 cm (for propeller aircraft)
- Maximum weight: 23 KG per board
- Handling Fee: IDR 1,000,000 (~$65 USD) per board, per segment
- Surfboards not included in free baggage allowance
- Must fill out Special Baggage Form at check-in
- Other international handling fees apply
Should You Take the Flight?
✔ YES if: You want a fast, hassle-free way to get to Mentawai and do not mind spending for surfboards.
✖ NO if: You’re watching your budget, traveling with many boards, and/or don’t mind the ferry.
What do you think? Will you be flying or sticking with the ferry? Let us know in the comments!
