Billy Bagus
May 16, 2025
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has reached an impressive milestone in 2025, earning a coveted spot among the best regional airports in Asia in the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards. Ranked sixth in the Best Regional Airports in Asia category, the recognition marks a new chapter in the airport's rise on the international stage, cementing its role as a critical hub for tourism and travel across Southeast Asia.
The recognition marks a new chapter in the airport's rise on the international stage
Global Recognition Through Passenger Feedback
The Skytrax World Airport Awards are among the most respected accolades in the global aviation industry, widely regarded as the benchmark for airport excellence. What makes these awards especially meaningful is that they are determined entirely by passenger feedback, providing a genuine reflection of traveler satisfaction.
For the 2025 edition, surveys were conducted between August 2024 and February 2025, collecting responses from travelers representing over 100 nationalities. With evaluations conducted across 575 airports globally, these awards represent the most extensive customer satisfaction assessment in the sector.
Ngurah Rai International Airport, situated just south of Bali’s capital Denpasar, also rose in the overall global rankings—climbing two spots from 74th in 2024 to 72nd in 2025. Though still modest in the global top 100, the steady upward momentum illustrates the airport’s consistent commitment to improvement, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced passenger experience.
As Indonesia’s second busiest airport, Ngurah Rai serves as a gateway not only to Bali but also to the broader Indonesian archipelago. It plays an essential role in supporting the nation's booming tourism industry, especially as Bali remains a top destination for leisure, wellness, and cultural exploration.
Behind the Applause: Continuing the Journey of Improvement
While Ngurah Rai International Airport’s recognition is well-deserved, continued growth brings new expectations. Skytrax rankings are largely driven by traveler experiences, which often highlight visible aspects like service, ambiance, and overall comfort. Yet, maintaining long-term excellence also means paying close attention to operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
The airport has made noticeable strides in layout improvements and cleanliness. However, during peak periods, challenges such as immigration wait times, baggage handling delays, and limited gate access can still occur — especially as passenger volumes return to pre-pandemic levels.
Accessibility remains another area with room to grow. Currently, most passengers rely on taxis or ride-hailing services, with limited public transport options available. As Bali continues to attract millions of travelers, developing more integrated and sustainable transportation links will be key to ensuring a smooth travel experience for all.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
With Bali entering its high season, Ngurah Rai International Airport is preparing to welcome a new wave of international guests. To keep pace with rising expectations and increasing demand, continuous investment in smart technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and streamlined operations will be essential.
Ngurah Rai International Airport’s rise in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025 is a proud achievement that highlights its growing role in Indonesia’s tourism and aviation landscape. As the airport continues to gain recognition, it also opens up opportunities to further enhance services and infrastructure to meet global standards. This success marks a meaningful step forward — and a promising beginning to an even brighter journey ahead.
