Overview of InJourney Airports and Airline Food Regulations

InJourney Airports, formally known as PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, serves as the state-owned enterprise managing 37 airports across Indonesia [2]. While this organization oversees large-scale aviation infrastructure, passengers traveling internationally must also navigate specific airline policies regarding food and drink, which vary significantly by carrier [1].

Key takeaways

• InJourney Airports was established in July 2024 following the merger of Angkasa Pura I and Angkasa Pura II [2].
• The company handles 172 million passengers annually, making it the fifth-largest airport operator in the world [2].
• Airlines such as Jet2, Ryanair, and easyJet maintain distinct rules regarding hot food, hot drinks, and personal alcohol consumption [1].
• Travelers moving between the UK and EU face strict regulations on importing meat and dairy products to prevent the spread of animal diseases [1].

The Evolution of Indonesian Airport Management

The formation of InJourney Airports in 2024 represents the culmination of a long-term strategy to consolidate Indonesia’s aviation and tourism sectors under a single state-owned holding company [2]. The entity was created by merging Angkasa Pura I, which historically managed central and eastern Indonesian airports, with Angkasa Pura II, which oversaw the western regions [2]. Headquartered at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, the company now manages airports divided into six distinct operational regions [2].

Beyond domestic operations, the company is pursuing international expansion. In October 2024, InJourney Airports signed a memorandum of understanding with the Incheon International Airport Corporation to explore joint ventures in Asia and the Middle East, including potential projects in Kuwait, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines [2].

Navigating Airline Food and Drink Policies

While airport operators manage the facilities, individual airlines enforce their own cabin rules regarding refreshments. For passengers flying with carriers like TUI, easyJet, Ryanair, or Jet2, policies on what can be brought onboard are often stringent [1]. For instance, Jet2 prohibits hot food and hot drinks entirely for safety reasons, while Ryanair allows personal soft drinks but strictly forbids the consumption of personal alcohol [1].

These airline-specific rules are separate from international border control regulations [1]. Travelers moving between the UK and the EU are subject to restrictions on meat and dairy products, such as cheese or ham sandwiches, which may be seized at the border to safeguard against animal diseases [1]. Because these regulations are subject to change based on animal health concerns, travelers are encouraged to consult official government guidance before their departure [1].

Why it matters

The management of airports by entities like InJourney Airports is central to the efficiency of global travel, as these operators facilitate the movement of millions of passengers [2]. Simultaneously, the complexity of airline-specific food policies and international import restrictions highlights the importance of passenger awareness. As aviation operators expand through international partnerships and airlines adjust their safety and service protocols, travelers must remain informed about both the infrastructure they pass through and the specific rules governing their flights to ensure a smooth journey [1, 2].