Enhancements at Bali Airport Set to Drive Tourism and Rental Demand

Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport remains one of Indonesia's busiest travel gateways, handling over 2.2 million passengers monthly. To manage this heavy flow, local authorities are continually enhancing the airport’s efficiency and convenience.

In addition to these efforts, Indonesian officials are considering measures to make flights more affordable for both domestic and international travelers.

Recently, the airport introduced a series of new autogates aimed at speeding up the arrival and departure process for tourists. These autogates were first launched in the international terminals earlier this year, with plans in place to further expand their use to enhance Bali’s immigration services.

Ngurah Rai Suhendra, Head of the TPI Class I Immigration Office, noted that with 60 autogates now in operation, the airport can process over 120 passengers per minute. An additional 30 autogates were recently installed, increasing the total to 60, with 20 more expected to be in operation by the end of the month, bringing the total to 80 across all terminals.

These autogates are available to international travelers with electronic passports, those entering on an e-visa on arrival, holders of any e-visa category, KITAS or KITAP holders, and visitors from visa-exempt countries such as ASEAN nations. Tourists are encouraged to apply for their e-VOA before arriving in Indonesia, which is valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days, all online. The e-VOA and VOA are available to travelers from 97 countries at a cost of IDR 500,000.

The automated system allows travelers to complete standard immigration checks, including stamping in and out of the country, in just 20-30 seconds. This system is designed to minimize wait times, even during peak travel periods, and works in conjunction with immigration officers rather than replacing them.

The expansion of digitalized immigration and travel services is part of broader efforts to make traveling to Bali more convenient and cost-effective.

During a recent visit to Bali, the Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, expressed support for a proposed policy to eliminate certain flight taxes, which would help lower travel costs. He noted that these taxes contribute to high ticket prices, reducing options for travelers flying to and from Bali and for domestic flights. Minister Uno also emphasized the importance of encouraging tourists to explore other regions of Indonesia during their visits.

However, Minister Uno acknowledged that removing flight taxes would require alternative sources of revenue to offset the loss. He suggested that a combination of policies could be implemented to balance the impact while potentially boosting state income through increased domestic tourism.

Additionally, the Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, announced plans to work with airlines and transportation authorities to reduce flight costs or introduce subsidies to address rising airfares. His team is currently reviewing aircraft operating costs as part of these efforts.

Impact on Bali’s Rental Property Market

The recent upgrades at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport are likely to have a positive effect on the Bali rental property market. As the airport enhances the immigration process and makes travel more affordable, it becomes more attractive and convenient for tourists to visit the island, potentially increasing demand for rental properties like Bali villas.

For those interested in renting a villa in Bali, the improved ease of travel may lead to more frequent and longer stays, benefiting property owners and rental agencies. The influx of visitors, driven by a seamless travel experience and lower airfare, could result in higher occupancy rates and increased rental income for those in the Bali rental property market. As Bali continues to enhance its infrastructure and accessibility, investing in Bali villas for rent is becoming an increasingly appealing option for both short-term tourists and long-term renters.