The long-debated North Bali International Airport project is back in the spotlight, gaining renewed momentum under the leadership of Indonesia’s new President, Prabowo Subianto. After years of fluctuating support and stalled development, the airport is now one of the administration's top priorities. With support from local leaders, feasibility studies underway, and a substantial funding agreement signed, the project is showing significant progress toward realization.
North Bali International Airport Plan: Everything We Know So Far
The North Bali International Airport is set to be developed in Buleleng Regency, a northern area of the island currently less trafficked by international tourists compared to the bustling southern region. Both national and regional leaders have voiced support for the project, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning to ensure the airport’s success.
Key considerations include technical feasibility, socio-cultural impacts, and the need for extensive infrastructure upgrades. Local leaders have highlighted the critical role of supportive policies and thorough feasibility studies in advancing the airport’s development. They are focusing on determining whether Bali truly requires additional airport capacity, given the constraints of expanding I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in the south.
The project, initially proposed to alleviate congestion at Bali’s main airport, was shelved by the previous administration under President Joko Widodo in late 2022. The project was removed from the National Strategic Project List, largely due to concerns over its impact on local communities, particularly in Buleleng Regency, where the airport would be located.
Additionally, challenges such as land acquisition and securing the necessary funding for the multi-billion rupiah development were major hurdles that stalled its progress. However, President Prabowo Subianto, during his presidential campaign, made a strong commitment to the people of Bali, pledging to revive the project. He declared it as a key step in positioning Bali as the "new Hong Kong" or "new Singapore" of the region.
The need for a second international airport in Bali has been assessed based on four key indicators. These include overcrowded terminals, prolonged waiting times for takeoffs and landings, congestion in parking and pick-up zones, and heavy traffic on access roads leading to the current airport. With limited space for expansion at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in the south, leaders believe that establishing a new facility in the north could significantly ease the strain on the existing airport while enhancing the island’s overall transportation infrastructure.
In November 2024, PT BIBU Panji Sakti, the company spearheading the project, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ChangYe Construction Group of China. The agreement secures a $3 billion investment for the development, spanning 2,800 hectares of land and reclaimed land offshore from Buleleng Regency. A unique aspect of this project is the “aerotropolis” concept—a new city that will be built around the airport. This development will include housing, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure in collaboration with local communities through a profit-sharing system, preserving land ownership for local residents. Importantly, the project will avoid encroaching on Bali’s sacred sites and landscapes.
One of the critical challenges in realizing the North Bali International Airport is developing the necessary infrastructure to connect the facility with other parts of the island. Plans include creating seamless transportation networks linking the northern, central, and southern regions. This is essential to ensure smooth travel for both tourists and residents. The airport is designed to handle 32 million passengers annually in its first phase of development. Groundbreaking is anticipated by the end of 2024, with the goal of completing the project by 2027. Leaders are optimistic that the airport will elevate Bali’s status as a global tourism destination, positioning it alongside international aviation hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.
Despite the ambitious scope of the project, care has been taken to respect Bali's cultural and spiritual heritage. The airport’s runway will be built on reclaimed land offshore to avoid disrupting temples and sacred areas. This approach reflects a commitment to balancing economic development with cultural preservation, a hallmark of Bali’s approach to growth. As Bali prepares for its busiest travel season, attention is shifting toward the north, where the promise of a transformative new airport could redefine the island’s tourism landscape and economic future.
