Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali is poised to meet modern demands and enhance its capabilities to accommodate the growing number of passengers. With the target set to increase service capacity from 24 million to 32 million passengers, the airport is undergoing a significant optimization project.
“The optimization project is aimed at expanding the airport’s capacity,” stated Handy Heryudhitiawan, General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I at Ngurah Rai International Airport, on Saturday (13/7/2024), as reported by DetikTravel.
Currently, Ngurah Rai Airport can handle up to 24 million passengers. Handy noted that the number of passengers is projected to reach 23.6 million soon, highlighting the need for increased capacity. “This means we are at maximum capacity,” he remarked.
To achieve this, the airport will expand various areas within the domestic and international terminals. This includes enlarging the x-ray area, departure lounges, and passenger waiting areas.
Starting in 2025, the international terminal will undergo significant changes. At least five new areas will be constructed to boost the terminal’s capacity. “There will be about four or five additional areas. This will increase the airport’s capacity to 32 million people. We estimate this capacity will suffice until around 2031 or 2032,” Handy explained.
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Handy emphasized the importance of expanding the airport’s capacity in Bali due to the rising passenger traffic. The increase in airlines and international flights to Bali significantly contributes to this growth.
One of the international carriers operating in Bali is Etihad Airways. Recently, airlines from Taiwan and South Korea have shown interest in commencing operations in Bali. Handy mentioned that discussions with these airlines are already in progress.
“The growing number of international flights and airlines operating in Bali is a major factor in the increased passenger traffic. For example, Etihad Airways operates international flights, and recently, airlines from Taiwan and South Korea have also planned to start operations in Bali,” he stated.
The optimization project is not only about expanding physical space but also about enhancing the overall passenger experience. By improving facilities and services, Ngurah Rai Airport aims to meet the expectations of its growing number of passengers and ensure a smooth and pleasant travel experience.
In sum, with the planned expansions and improvements, Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali is well on its way to becoming a more efficient and capable hub, ready to meet the demands of increasing passenger traffic and maintain its status as a premier airport in Indonesia.
