Bali Revamps Lt. Col Wisnu Airport for Private Jets and Logistics

The Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport in Buleleng, Bali, is set to be redeveloped as an alternative airport serving specialised aviation needs, including emergency landings when I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar faces operational disruptions. The airport will also be positioned as a support hub for private jet operations and logistics services.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster stated the provincial government has submitted the redevelopment proposal to Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation.

As part of the project's commitment, the Bali Provincial Government has established a business entity to oversee the development and plans to acquire the necessary land. Koster added that the government welcomes private investors interested in participating in the project.

"We hope the Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport can help address Bali's growing air traffic demands. At this stage, we are not planning to develop another commercial airport comparable to Ngurah Rai," he said.

Bali's limited land area requires careful planning to protect productive agricultural land and the island's traditional subak irrigation system, describing the project as part of the province's commitment to promoting quality tourism.

Moreover, the governor highlighted several transportation infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across Bali. These include the revitalisation of Celukan Bawang Port in Buleleng to accommodate Ro-Ro ferry services and ease congestion on the Denpasar–Gilimanuk route during peak holiday and Eid travel periods.

The provincial government is also advancing the development of Kusamba Port in Klungkung, Amed Port in Karangasem, and Sangsit Port in Buleleng. Another priority is the planned sea taxi service in Badung Regency, which is expected to improve connectivity between Ngurah Rai Airport and Canggu, cutting travel time from the current 1.5–2 hours to approximately 30 minutes.

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the central government is treating Bali's transportation challenges as a priority, noting that the island remains one of Indonesia's most important international tourism destinations.

He acknowledged that Ngurah Rai Airport's limited capacity, combined with insufficient ferry infrastructure, has contributed to increasing congestion as visitor numbers continue to rise.

For the aviation sector, Purwagandhi confirmed that the government intends to offer the redevelopment of Lt. Col. Wisnu Airport to private investors while making it the primary focus of future airport expansion.

"Our focus will be on Letkol Wisnu Airport in Buleleng because the conditions are relatively clear, with no major land acquisition or environmental issues. It’s the development of an existing airport. We hope it can be realised so that North Bali can develop in the same way South Bali has," he said.

The minister also confirmed that the long-discussed proposal to build a new North Bali International Airport in Kubutambahan is no longer being pursued.

Regarding maritime infrastructure, Purwagandhi said the government has asked state-owned port operator Pelindo to revitalise Celukan Bawang Port so it can accommodate ferry crossings from Jangkar and Banyuwangi. Meanwhile, land for the proposed developments at Amed and Sangsit ports will be offered to private investors, while their final operational functions are still under consideration.

Expanding these ports—including Kusamba Port in Klungkung—will support the growth of a different tourism ecosystem outside South Bali.

As for the planned sea taxi service in Badung, he expressed hope that supporting facilities around Ngurah Rai Airport would be completed by November 2026. "Hopefully this can become an alternative mode of transportation to help reduce traffic congestion in Canggu," he said.