The massive transformation of Ngurah Rai Airport continues. The main gateway of the island is crucial for the first impression visitors have upon arrival, so efforts are ongoing to improve service quality and infrastructure. The airport management refers to this work as an 'investment in Bali's first impression.'
From January to September 2025, Ngurah Rai handled 18.23 million passengers, which is 1% more compared to the previous year. The growth might seem small, but the international traffic increased by 9%, reaching 11.53 million people. These figures reflect new routes, airlines, and a strategic enhancement of Bali's connections with Asia and the world.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of the airport, emphasizes that traffic growth is not only due to tourism but also because of network expansion. New destinations, including flights from Chengdu (China) and Cheongju (South Korea), have been added in 2025.
Quality improvements are underway at all levels, from infrastructure to details in the waiting area. A notable project is the new pedestrian bridge connecting the domestic terminal with the parking area. The structure is not only functional but designed in Balinese style, featuring light, stone, and ornaments reminiscent of the island's temple architecture.
The terminal interior has also become more spacious and green. The space has been redesigned to streamline passenger flow and add visual lightness. 'Green zones' with live plants and traditional motifs are being introduced.
Simultaneously, technical expansions are ongoing: the airport's capacity has increased from 24 to 32 million passengers annually. External roadways and parking areas are being redeveloped to reduce congestion and make terminal transfers smoother.
According to Shahab, Ngurah Rai is now perceived not just as a transport facility but as 'Indonesia’s main tourist gateway.' New service solutions, from digital check-in kiosks to passenger flow management systems, are being tested here.
'We aim for every visitor landing in Bali to experience world-class service from the first moment. It's important for us that the airport is not just an arrival point but part of the tourist experience,' he says.
In the first nine months of 2025, the airport handled 106,942 flights, of which 58,485 were international and 48,457 were domestic. These numbers confirm that Bali remains one of the key spots on the world tourist map. The airport believes the magic of the island begins in the arrival terminals.
