In 2015, the current 1,200 meters runway has been extended to 1,600 meters to accommodate ATR-72 from current ATR-42, so passengers from Tanjung Harapan Airport can fly directly to Balikpapan and without having to transit in Tarakan anymore.
In 2015, the airport's existing runway was lengthened to accommodate larger planes like the ATR-72, which can now operate without needing to make a stop in Tarakan, enabling direct flights from Tanjung Harapan Airport to Balikpapan.