North Bali Airport Plans: Location, Opening Year & Flight Types

The proposed North Bali Airport in Kubutambahan, Buleleng, aims to ease congestion at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, which nears its 24 million passenger capacity (2024). While expansions are planned, limited land (269 ha) restricts growth.

Driven by a surge in tourists (6.3M foreign visitors in 2024 per BPS), this project responds to overtourism concerns and aims to boost North Bali’s economy. The airport will focus on low-cost carriers, while Ngurah Rai handles premium routes.

Backed by government and private interest, this dual-airport plan supports balanced regional development and long-term infrastructure growth.

North Bali Airport Location and Design Plans Explained

Here is an overview of the North Bali Airport’s location, size, design plans, terminal features, and the implementation of advanced airport technology.

• Location: The new North Bali Airport is planned in Kubutambahan, Buleleng Regency. Experts, including a team from India, confirmed this location as the most suitable.
• Size & Layout: Spanning over 2,800 hectares, the airport’s main runway will be built offshore using land reclamation, while the inland area will host an aerotropolis with housing, shops, and infrastructure.
• Runway: A 3–3.6 km runway will stretch over the sea, protecting local temples and villages.
• Terminal: A state-of-the-art terminal will introduce smart airport tech to Indonesia for the first time, focused on international low-cost carriers.
• Smart Airport & Tech: Expect self-service, automation, and advanced security systems, aligned with global standards.
• Aerotropolis Vision: The surrounding zone will include residences, schools, hospitals, and logistics hubs—including an underwater seafood cargo terminal that highlights Bali’s maritime character.

North Bali Airport: Why Bali Needs a Second Airport in the North

Here are several key reasons why Bali needs a second airport. This simplified explanation highlights essential points that play a crucial role in the future of Bali’s tourism.

1. Fixing Regional Imbalance: Tourism is centered in South Bali, leaving the north underdeveloped. A new airport in Buleleng aims to boost the local economy, supported by government, academics, and youth communities.
2. Rising Tourist Traffic: Bali saw 6.3 million foreign visitors in 2024. Ngurah Rai Airport, near full capacity at 24 million passengers, faces crowding and expansion limits due to its small 269-hectare footprint.
3. Limited Expansion Room: Despite terminal upgrades, Ngurah Rai can't grow much more. A second airport with more space is needed to ease congestion and handle future growth.

North Bali Airport Access: Road, Rail & Toll Connections

Efficient connectivity is a crucial factor for the success of North Bali Airport, ensuring smooth travel for both locals and international visitors. To support this, the government and developers have proposed a series of integrated transport solutions. Below are the key infrastructure plans to link the new airport with other parts of the island:

1. Toll Road Link: A new toll road will connect Ngurah Rai to the new airport in Kubutambahan, cutting travel time.
2. Upgraded Roads: Wider provincial roads and new access routes are being prepared ahead of operations.
3. Rail/LRT Plans: Future rail and LRT links will connect the airport to Ubud, Sanur, and southern Bali.

Bali’s Two Airports: Operational Roles of Ngurah Rai and North Bali Airport

Bali is preparing to operate with two international airports to support its growing tourism and air traffic demand. Ngurah Rai International Airport in South Bali will continue to serve premium international and long-haul flights. Meanwhile, North Bali Airport in Kubutambahan is planned to accommodate low-cost carriers (LCCs) and regional routes across Southeast Asia. Both airports will be connected through a new toll road and proposed railway network to ensure smooth inter-airport transfers. This dual-airport system aims to boost tourism capacity while promoting balanced regional development across the island.

North Bali Airport Impact: Economic, Social & Environmental Effects

The development of North Bali Airport brings a range of impacts—economically, socially, and environmentally. Below is a comprehensive overview of the effects associated with the construction of North Bali Airport.

1. Jobs & Economy: The North Bali Airport project is projected to create 220,000 direct jobs, boost tourism, raise property values, and support SMEs.
2. Land Ownership & Local Role: Land is mostly adat-owned. A profit-sharing model lets 13 villages retain land ownership, ensuring respectful coordination.
3. Environmental Concerns: Marine reclamation needs AMDAL approval. Officials promise no harm to sacred sites. Religious leaders push for impact-mitigating tech.
4. Overtourism & Waste: With rising visitor numbers, concerns include waste and congestion. Solutions include better waste systems and public transport.
5. Cultural Protection: The runway will be offshore to preserve traditions. Local leaders support high-tech solutions that respect Balinese heritage.
6. Community Reactions: Some praise the job potential; others worry about environmental risks and readiness

Additional Note: If you care about environmental issues, choosing to stay at Dijiwa Sanctuaries during your holiday in Bali is a meaningful step. Their properties are the first in Bali to receive the Gold Eco Climate Badge—recognizing outstanding commitment to sustainability.

North Bali Airport Construction Progress: Timeline & Status as of 2025

The construction of North Bali Airport is one of Indonesia’s most anticipated infrastructure projects, aiming to transform northern Bali into a new hub for tourism and economic growth. As of 2025, the project has made notable progress, though several stages still require coordination and approvals. Here’s the latest update on its development timeline, current status, and key milestones:

• Feasibility & AMDAL: Completed; location permit (penlok) pending
• Groundbreaking: Starts 2025; first runway aims for 2027
• Land & Reclamation: Coordination ongoing with village owners; KLHK and KKP permits in process.
• Potential Delays: Permits, land access, and reviews may affect timeline. Officials urge cautious progress.

Comparison: Ngurah Rai Airport vs North Bali Airport 2025

Here is a summary of the key differences between Ngurah Rai Airport and the North Bali Airport in terms of location, land area, capacity, runway, terminal, and flight routes.

Ngurah Rai is Bali’s main airport, but limited space and rising tourist numbers have renewed plans for a second airport in North Bali. Set in Buleleng, the future North Bali Airport promises a larger area, modern design, and smart tech—aimed at easing congestion and boosting growth in underdeveloped regions.

North Bali Airport and the Future of Sustainable Tourism in Bali

North Bali Airport could rebalance development across the island. Backed by a large aerotropolis plan, the project aims to bring jobs, better access, and regional investment—while minimizing overtourism in the south. Though challenges remain (land, environment, community readiness), the project’s 2027 goal signals strong government and private sector commitment.

Sources: All content in this article has been sourced and adapted from the Ministry of Transportation, Antaranews, Detik.com, Beritaterkini.co.id, Bali Post, Narasi.tv, and Jawapos.