Why Lombok International Airport Could Be Bali’s Second Airport – and a Better Option Than North Bali

Lombok, Indonesia – With Bali’s tourism industry continuing to grow and South Bali facing unprecedented congestion, the question of a second airport for Bali has been a long-debated issue. While some government planners still float the idea of building a completely new airport in North Bali, Australian property developer Jamie McIntyre believes the smarter, faster, and more cost-effective solution is already in place — Lombok International Airport.

McIntyre, co-founder of the $6 billion MarinaBayCity.com development now underway in South Lombok and founder of the Australian National Review (ANR.news), says the answer is obvious:

“The reality is that most tourists want to be in South Bali or Lombok — not in North Bali. A North Bali airport would require hours of travel to reach the places visitors actually want to stay. Lombok International Airport is already fully operational, internationally connected, and only a short flight or fast ferry ride from Bali. It’s the logical choice to serve as Bali’s second airport.”

•Proximity to South Bali – The airport is a quick hop from Bali, with direct connections possible in under an hour.

•Existing Infrastructure – Lombok International Airport has already undergone major upgrades, allowing it to handle wide-body aircraft and millions of passengers annually.

•Booming Tourism – Lombok is emerging as the next major alternative to Bali, with major developments such as Marina Bay City attracting international investment, luxury resorts, and an influx of expats.

•Environmental & Economic Efficiency – Expanding Lombok’s existing airport avoids the environmental impact and multi-billion-dollar cost of building a brand-new facility from

scratch in North Bali.

The proposed North Bali International Airport has been in discussion for over a decade. While some recent political statements have hinted at reviving the project, its location remains its biggest drawback. North Bali is far removed from the island’s tourism hub, requiring a lengthy road journey to reach the south’s beaches, resorts, and nightlife.

“Infrastructure decisions need to reflect where the demand actually is,” McIntyre explains. “South Bali is packed, and Lombok is booming. Linking them with a robust air connection is far more practical than putting an airport in the wrong place.”

Lombok is rapidly positioning itself as Indonesia’s next tourism hotspot. Its pristine beaches, world-class surf breaks, and lower density compared to Bali make it attractive to travelers seeking a more relaxed, upscale island experience. Large-scale projects like Marina Bay City — featuring luxury villas, resorts, marinas, and lifestyle precincts — are set to transform the island’s southern coastline into a global destination.

“Bali will always be a world-class destination,” McIntyre says. “But Lombok is the next big thing — and Lombok International Airport is ready to play a much bigger role in Indonesia’s tourism future.”