Sam Ratulangi International Airport — Manado, Indonesia

Named after an early twentieth-century scholar and independence figure regarded as a national hero for his role in Indonesian nationalism, Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC) handles air traffic for Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. The airport functions as the principal gateway to Bunaken National Park, a marine reserve celebrated among divers for its coral walls and biodiversity just off Manado's coast. MDC handles domestic connections across the Indonesian archipelago, including routes to Jakarta and other major hubs, along with a smaller set of regional international services. Manado's position at the northern tip of Sulawesi, closer to the Philippines than to Jakarta, gives the airport a distinct role linking that part of eastern Indonesia to neighboring Southeast Asian markets. The surrounding area combines volcanic landscapes with coastal scenery, and tourism tied to diving and nature remains a major driver of air traffic through the airport.