Popular holiday island reveals plans for new £2.5billion international airport – following record tourist numbers
A MUCH-loved holiday destination has revealed plans for a major new airport – which will be the second of its kind on the island.
First announced in 2016, Bali could soon open a second international airport in the northern region.
The new airport would be around two hours from the capital of Denpasar, and hopes to relive pressure on the current existing Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.
First announced in 2016, former tourism minister Sandiaga Uno said last month: “I foresee the north Bali airport will finally be built.”
The plans have been revived due to the new administration in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto.
Previous plans estimated the new airport would cost 50 trillion rupiah (£2.4billion) although this hasn’t been updated since 2020.
It would serve 20million passengers a year – with around 126,000 flights a year which includes larger, long-haul planes.
It could take as little as three years to build if construction is given the go-ahead.
The new airport would help lesser-visited tourist spots become popular too.
Dirgayuza Setiawan, who worked on the current president’s economic plans, said: “The tourism potential in the north is huge.
“There is Lovina Beach, waterfalls, and quite a number of resorts have been built.”
Lovina Beach is the main attraction of northern Bali, which is a black sand beach with bottle-nose dolphins and hiking trails.
Most tourists use the current airport to visit destinations such as Canggu and Seminyak.
The current Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport’s has a capacity of 24million, with new plans for larger boarding and departure halls due to fears of reaching its limits of passengers.
Along with a runway extension, this could allow it to increase capacity to 32million by 2031.
The Indonesian island is popular with Brits wanting a cheap, long-haul holiday.
Tourist numbers hit 7.75million in the first six months of 2024, local authorities confirmed – the busiest on record.
While Australian tourists are the most popular to visit Bali, Brits along with tourists from France, China and India are also in the top countries.
If you’re thinking of going, we’ve explained the best time of year to visit Bali outside of the rainy season.
Flights from the UK take around 17 hours, with stops in Jakarta or Dubai, and make sure your passport has no damage as Bali is one of the strict countries in the world.
It’s not the only new airport opening on a popular holiday island.
The Caribbean island of Barbuda has revealed plans for a £10.8million airport.
Which celebs have gone on holiday to Bali?
A number of famous celebrities have been spotted in Bali in recent years.
Love Island star Shannon Singh stayed back in January during a girly holiday.
Helen Flanagan stayed on the island with her kids during the new year
The Towie cast stayed at the Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort in February
Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright stayed at the £1,000-a-night Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay.
Greenland has revealed plans for three new airports.
And Crete is opening its new Kastelli International Airport by 2026.