Bali’s New North Bali Airport Moves Forward: What the Latest Plans Mean
Bali’s long-discussed second international airport is back in focus, with President Prabowo Subianto supporting efforts to accelerate its development in North Bali. Here’s what is currently planned, where the project stands, and what it could mean for Bali’s future connectivity and growth.
Bali’s aviation landscape could be set for a major change. In July 2026, President Prabowo Subianto expressed support for accelerating the development of the North Bali Airport, planned in Kubutambahan, Buleleng. The proposed airport is intended to become Bali’s second international gateway and is being planned to accommodate large wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.
The project is particularly significant because Bali’s tourism and economic activity remain heavily concentrated in the south, while North Bali has historically seen less infrastructure development.
A Second International Gateway for Bali
The proposed airport is intended to complement, rather than simply replace, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
According to recent reports, the government sees an additional international airport as increasingly important as passenger traffic grows and pressure on Bali's existing aviation infrastructure increases.
The North Bali airport is included in Indonesia's 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) under Presidential Regulation No. 12 of 2025.
In a July 14 meeting with representatives involved in the project, President Prabowo specifically asked about the airport's ability to handle wide-body aircraft. The project was presented as being designed to accommodate aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.
Why the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 Matter
The reference to aircraft such as the A380 is significant.
Wide-body aircraft are generally used for longer international routes and higher passenger volumes. An airport capable of accommodating these aircraft could potentially open North Bali to more direct international connections and larger-scale tourism flows.
This doesn't mean that A380 or Boeing 777 services are confirmed for the future airport. Rather, the current plan is to ensure the airport's infrastructure can accommodate this class of aircraft.
More Than an Airport Project
One of the biggest potential impacts of the project could be its effect on the geography of Bali's development.
For decades, much of Bali's tourism infrastructure, investment, and international connectivity has been concentrated around areas such as South Bali, including Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, and the Bukit Peninsula.
A second international gateway in Buleleng could create new opportunities in the north by:
Improving regional accessibility.
Supporting local business and hospitality expansion.
Spreading economic growth and tourism infrastructure more evenly across the island.
Dual Aviation Strategy: North Bali Airport vs. Letkol Wisnu Airport
Recent government discussions indicate that North Bali's two aviation facilities will serve distinct, complementary roles:
Facility | Primary Role | Target Aircraft | Focus Area |
North Bali Airport(Kubutambahan) | Main International Gateway | Wide-body (Boeing 777, Airbus A380) | Commercial international flights & high-volume passenger traffic |
Letkol Wisnu Airport | Secondary / Private Hub | Small aircraft, charters, & private jets | Specialized aviation, private transport, and regional connections |
This clear division allows both facilities to operate efficiently without directly competing for the same market segment.
Is the Airport Being Built Already?
Not yet.
This is an important distinction when discussing the project.
The latest news concerns government support and efforts to accelerate the realization of the project, rather than an announcement that construction is complete or that the airport has opened.
President Prabowo's July meeting focused on project progress and strategic acceleration. So while headlines about a "new Bali airport" are based on a real government initiative, the project remains in the active planning and design phase.
What Could This Mean for Bali Real Estate?
For property investors and developers, infrastructure developments of this scale are crucial indicator metrics.
Improved transit access naturally drives shift in business locations, hospitality projects, and residential demand. If the North Bali Airport moves into active construction, Buleleng and surrounding regions in North/Central Bali could see increased long-term strategic interest.
However, real estate outcomes will largely depend on:
Actual construction timelines and milestones.
The rollout of supporting transport links (e.g., highway/toll road connections to the south).
The pace of commercial airline adoption post-completion.
The Bigger Picture
The North Bali Airport is no longer just a conceptual proposal. In 2026, the project has received renewed presidential backing and official inclusion in the national 2025–2029 development framework.
The key question moving forward is how quickly government directives transition into ground-breaking construction and operational readiness. If realized, this will mark one of the most transformative infrastructure shifts in Bali's modern history.