BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG — Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is set to open a new passenger transfer bridge connecting its international and domestic terminals on August 17, 2026, as part of efforts to improve passenger services and streamline flight connections.

PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (Persero), the airport operator, said the International-Domestic Terminal Transfer Bridge is designed to make transfers more convenient for passengers traveling from international arrivals to domestic departures and vice versa.

Ngurah Rai Airport General Manager Nugroho Jati said the new facility is expected to improve the overall passenger experience and provide a more seamless journey for travelers making international-domestic connections.

“We are proud to introduce this new facility at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, which will further improve service quality and the customer experience,” Nugroho said on Sunday (Aug. 16, 2026).

The facility is scheduled to begin operations on August 17, coinciding with Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day. The airport operator described the new facility as a special contribution to passengers during the national celebration.

Initially, the transfer bridge will be available to passengers connecting between flights operated by selected airlines. The airport plans to gradually expand access to additional airlines, with the long-term goal of serving all transfer passengers.

Previously, passengers transferring between the international and domestic terminals had to follow the existing terminal procedures, which were not directly integrated and required considerably more time.

The average transfer process from an international arrival to a domestic departure previously took about 90 minutes for passengers and 150 minutes for baggage.

Meanwhile, passengers transferring from a domestic arrival to an international departure required an average of 70 minutes, while baggage processing took around 120 minutes.

With the new transfer bridge, passenger transfer time between the terminals is projected to be reduced to approximately 15 minutes, while baggage processing is expected to take around 45 minutes.

Nugroho said the shorter processing time will be supported by connected infrastructure and coordination among airlines, ground-handling companies, Immigration, Customs and Excise, and quarantine authorities.

“The new facility is expected to have a positive impact on passenger comfort because of the shorter processing time and more efficient transfer process,” he said.

Passengers using the new transfer system will no longer need to leave the terminal, check in again, or move between terminals while carrying their baggage.

The facility is expected to strengthen the airport’s efforts to provide a seamless travel experience, particularly for passengers connecting between international and domestic flights in both directions.

Ngurah Rai Airport management is currently completing the final stages of the project, including physical and interior works, adjustments to terminal information signage, regulatory and documentation requirements, and final coordination with relevant stakeholders.

“We are working to ensure that all final preparations are completed on schedule so that this can become a meaningful gift from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to passengers during Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day,” Nugroho said.

The new transfer bridge is expected to strengthen Ngurah Rai Airport’s role as Bali’s main international gateway while improving the efficiency of passenger connections between domestic and international flights.