 It is located in the center of the city of Medan (which, although convenient for transit purposes, precluded further expansions), has a challenging takeoff path and a relatively short runway.The development of Kualanamu Airport initiated in 1991.In a visit to Medan, Azwar Anas, Minister of Transport at the time, stated that for the sake of aviation safety, a new airport would be developed outside of the city of Medan.