The North Bali International Airport project is set to transform the island's northern region, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. Here's an overview of the project's current status and future prospects:
The project is poised to reshape Bali's economic landscape by 2027
Project Overview
-
Location: The airport is planned for an offshore site near Kubutambahan in Buleleng Regency, approximately a 40-minute from Lovina Beach and 90 minutes from Amed.
-
Design: The facility will feature two parallel runways, a modern passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and an Air Traffic Control tower. Its ultimate capacity will be 50 million passengers annually.
Recent Developments
- Investment Partnership: In November 2024, PT BIBU Panji Sakti, the project’s initiator, signed a Heads of Agreement with China’s ChangYe Construction Group, securing a US$3 billion investment to expedite development. The project aims for completion by the end of 2027.
- Government Support: President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to advance the project, envisioning Bali as a “new Singapore” or “new Hong Kong” to boost tourism and economic development.
Aerotropolis Development
- Integrated City Planning: The project includes the creation of an “aerotropolis”—a new city surrounding the airport, featuring residential areas, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure. This development will be on community-owned land, with agreements in place with local village leaders to ensure land ownership remains with the community.
Environmental Considerations
- Offshore Construction: To minimize environmental and social impacts, the airport is planned on reclaimed offshore land, reducing the need for land acquisition and preserving sacred sites and productive lands.
Implications for Northern Bali
-
Economic Growth: The airport is expected to stimulate economic activity in northern Bali, attracting tourists to areas like Lovina Beach and promoting regional development.
-
Infrastructure Enhancement: The project includes plans for improved infrastructure, such as power plants and transportation networks, to support the airport and surrounding communities.