The dream of a new airport in Bali is edging closer to becoming a reality. Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir has signaled plans for the construction of a new airport on the island, targeted to begin by 2027. This project, he explained, will become essential if annual passenger numbers at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport exceed 32 million.
“At 32 million passengers, the airport is still manageable. Beyond that, we will need to reconsider,” Erick stated during his visit to the domestic terminal of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport on Thursday (November 21).
He revealed that President Prabowo Subianto has suggested exploring alternative airport developments, but current projections indicate the capacity should suffice until 2029 or 2030.
Erick emphasized the importance of proactive planning to prevent delays in meeting future demand. “If we reach 32 million passengers by 2029 or 2030, construction should start earlier, by 2027 at the latest,” he explained.
“We can’t afford to wait until the last moment, only to scramble when it’s already too late.”
When asked about the location of the proposed airport—specifically whether it would be in North Bali—Erick said he did not have that information, as policy decisions are made by the central and regional governments.
“I don’t know the location yet, as I’m not the decision-maker. But one thing is clear: we must prepare well in advance,” he stressed.
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In the meantime, the government is focusing on optimizing the existing airport. Erick confirmed that upgrades to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport are nearing completion, including a new pedestrian bridge connecting the domestic terminal to the parking lot.
“Sometimes, the solution isn’t about building larger facilities but maximizing the potential of what we already have. Optimizing the current infrastructure can significantly boost capacity,” he said.
Under the leadership of Faik Fahmi, CEO of Angkasa Pura, and Maya Watono, Acting CEO of InJourney, the government is reevaluating airport development projects across Indonesia to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
“In Bali, for instance, we are finding ways to grow from 24 million passengers to 32 million passengers annually without rushing to build new facilities. It’s about re-layouts, recompositions, and optimization,” Erick explained.
Despite these efforts, Erick highlighted the need for long-term strategies to avoid bottlenecks. “We should aim to build ahead of demand, not react to it. By 2027, we must have begun construction on a new airport if the numbers justify it,” he reiterated.
The growing demand for air travel in Bali underscores the urgency of these plans, as the island remains one of Indonesia’s top tourist destinations. By preparing early, the government hopes to ensure that Bali can continue to welcome millions of travelers without compromising the quality of its infrastructure.
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