Domine Eduard Osok Airport (IATA: SOQ, ICAO: WASS) is an airport in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia. It is one of the largest and busiest airports on the Bird’s Head Peninsula. It replaced the smaller, former World War II airfield, Jefman Airport on the island of Jefman. The airport’s name was named from Domine Eduard Osok, a pastor originating from Sorong. He was known for doing missionary works and spreading Christianity in Sorong and the surrounding parts.
Domine Eduard Osok Airport serves as a one of the entry point to the Raja Ampat Islands, since Raja Ampat Islands is closer to the city of Sorong, compared to the provincial capital Manokwari. However, Marinda Airport which is located within the Raja Ampat Islands has started operating, therefore this airport no longer serves as the main entry point.
The movement of aircraft in one of the busiest and largest airports on the Bird’s Head Peninsula is experiencing an average growth of 3.3% annually. Noted, there are more than 9,000 aircraft movements per year. In terms of passengers, the average annual passenger growth reaches 13.2% where in 2014 there are about 500,000 more passengers. For cargo, the average cargo growth per year is quite rapid at around 17.2%.
As an airport feeder, Domine Eduard Osok Airport serves domestic scheduled services operated by several airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air and Xpress Air. In addition, the airport also serves pioneer destinations which are operated by Susi Air to some surrounding areas such as Ayawasi, Inawatan, Teminabuan, and Waisai. With a length of 2,500 meters and 45 meters wide, this airport runway can be landed by aircraft like Boeing 737 series and the Airbus A320.
