Zurich Airport Eyes Role as Operator and Investor in North Bali International Airport

Swiss airport operator opens talks with PT BIBU Panji Sakti over potential long-term partnership, including airport operations and investment in North Bali.

JAKARTA — The plan to develop North Bali International Airport has entered a new phase, with discussions moving beyond infrastructure and design toward potential international airport operations and investment.

PT BIBU Panji Sakti, the company behind the North Bali International Airport project, held talks with Zurich Airport on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the office of Alien Design Consultant (Alien DC) in South Jakarta.

Design of the North Bali International Airport by PT BIBU Panji Sakti

The meeting explored the possibility of Zurich Airport becoming an operator of the proposed airport while also considering potential investment in the project.

PT BIBU Panji Sakti was represented by Business Development Director Jannes Pasaribu, Communications Director Ahmed Kurnia and Corporate Secretary Fritz Tanos. Zurich Airport was represented by Thomas Müller, Head Masterplan Aviation.

The meeting was facilitated by Alien DC, the architectural design company involved in developing the concept for North Bali International Airport.

Alien DC Founder and CEO Hardyanthony Wiratama, known as Hardy, opened the meeting and expressed hope that the discussions would lead to a concrete partnership.

“We hope this meeting will eventually produce a good and mutually beneficial cooperation among the parties,” Hardy said.

Design of the North Bali International Airport by PT BIBU Panji Sakti

The discussions mark a shift in focus for the North Bali project. While the airport’s architectural concept remains an important element, the latest talks center on how the future airport could be operated, developed commercially and positioned to meet international standards.

Alien DC has been involved in the development of the airport’s architectural concept, incorporating elements of Balinese cultural identity into a contemporary design approach. Among the inspirations are Bedawang Nala, Anantabhoga and Basuki, which are translated into architectural elements alongside green spaces, renewable energy and passenger-oriented facilities.

For Zurich Airport, the North Bali project presents an opportunity to potentially bring its international airport development and operating experience to Indonesia.

Zurich Airport operates Zurich Airport in Switzerland and also holds interests in airports and airport projects outside the country. Its international portfolio includes airport operations and development projects across Latin America, the Caribbean and India.

One of its most significant recent greenfield projects is Noida International Airport in India. The airport was developed and built by a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International under a 40-year concession. Zurich Airport said the project was structured in four phases, with an eventual capacity of up to 70 million passengers a year.

Jannes Pasaribu of PT BIBU Panji Sakti and the Zurich Airport Team

Noida International Airport began commercial operations on June 15, 2026, with IndiGo operating its first commercial flight. The airport initially serves domestic routes, while international services are planned to follow.

That experience is particularly relevant to the discussions surrounding North Bali International Airport, as the proposed project would require not only construction but also the establishment of an operational system capable of handling passengers, airlines, commercial activities and long-term airport development.

During the Jakarta meeting, Zurich Airport expressed interest in taking part in the North Bali project as an airport operator. The Swiss company also indicated that it was considering an investment role, citing the project’s commercial potential.

Thomas Müller said the discussion was significant because it could become the starting point for a long-term partnership.

“For us, this is an important discussion because it concerns the possibility of a long-term cooperation,” Thomas said.

Following the meeting, Thomas was expected to report the outcome of the discussions to Zurich Airport’s management in Switzerland. The internal assessment will help determine the company’s next steps, including the possibility of preparing a memorandum of understanding, or MoU, with PT BIBU Panji Sakti.

From left to right: Thomas Muller (Zurich Airport), Hardyanthony Wiratama (Alien DC), and Fritz Tanos (PT BIBU Panji Sakti).

For BIBU, the involvement of an international airport operator would potentially strengthen the project’s operational framework from an early stage.

Jannes Pasaribu said the discussion was not limited to the physical construction of an airport but also addressed how the facility could operate once completed.

“What we discussed was not only how to build the airport, but how to ensure that the airport can eventually be managed according to international standards and generate added value for Bali and Indonesia,” Jannes said.

He added that Zurich Airport’s experience in developing and operating airports in different countries could provide valuable knowledge for the North Bali project.

“Zurich Airport’s experience in developing and operating airports in various countries is certainly something very valuable for us to learn from and, if the process goes well, it could become part of the journey of North Bali International Airport,” Jannes said.

The proposed airport has gained renewed attention in 2026 amid continued discussions over its role in strengthening connectivity and supporting economic development in northern Bali. Recent reports have also highlighted government-level discussions concerning preparations for the airport project.

The latest talks, however, do not yet represent a finalized agreement between PT BIBU Panji Sakti and Zurich Airport. Any formal partnership would depend on further negotiations, internal assessment by Zurich Airport and agreement on the commercial, operational and investment structure.

Still, the September 10 meeting marks a potentially significant development.

The conversation around North Bali International Airport is no longer focused solely on whether the airport can be built, but also on who could operate it, how it could be developed as a commercial aviation hub and what international standards could shape its future operations.

For BIBU, the potential involvement of Zurich Airport could bring global airport management experience into the project. For Zurich Airport, North Bali could offer an opportunity to participate in a new airport development in one of Indonesia’s most important tourism destinations.

The next step now rests with the two sides as discussions move toward determining whether the initial Jakarta meeting can develop into a formal partnership.

Editor – Ray