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Easier Bali: How a Denpasar upgrade will improve the travel experience for all

Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, aka Denpasar, is set for a major upgrade, promising a smoother and faster experience for tourists passing through its terminals.

Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, aka Denpasar, is set for a major upgrade, promising a smoother and faster experience for tourists passing through its terminals.

The airport’s operator, PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, has announced plans to introduce automated tray return systems at security checkpoints, local media reported.

The high-tech systems, also in place at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport, are designed to reduce bottlenecks at the hub by streamlining security checks. And with many of Australia’s major gateways already using the auto tray system, Bali-bound Aussies can soon expect a better experience at both ends of their trips.

Tourists watch a Balinese Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple. Bali
Tourists watch a Balinese Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple.

One of the biggest wins for travellers is the elimination of the need to remove laptops, tablets or toiletries from their bags, streamlining the process and reducing stress.

“If we use the existing equipment, we can only serve 200 people in one hour, but with ATRS [automated tray return systems] we can serve 500 people in one hour,” PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia Director Faik Fahmi said.

“The difference is [with] the new technology, it is no longer required for people to carry bags, take out their laptops or mineral water.”

Denpasar Airport
Denpasar arrivals area.

“Even if there are goods that must be checked by Avsec [aviation security], the line will be separated so as not to obstruct those behind, if example, if [a bag] is checked again, it will immediately move into a special line, which is normally straight.

“This has started to be implemented at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and has greatly helped the processing time.”

Scheduled for rollout throughout 2025, the new enhancements aim to give passengers more time to relax and enjoy Denpasar before takeoff.

Bali Denpasar Garuda
Bali airport.

The upgrades are part of a broader plan to improve Bali airport’s infrastructure, digitalisation and overall operations. 

In another airport upgrade, Denpasar recently opened a revamped and expanded airport lounge. Read all about that here.