The growth in popularity of air travel in the 1970s resulted in a significant increase in civil aviation. Suddenly, the old airport was swamped with activity, operating beyond its capacity. This situation prompted the government to scout for a new site to build a modern airport. A new airport was constructed in Mukim Berakas in the Brunei-Muara District, because this location was easily accessible from all areas of the country. The airport became operational in 1974,[1] and its runway was one of the longest runways in the far east.
In 2008, it was announced that a study to review necessary expansions and modifications was completed, and a masterplan was written up soon after.[5] The masterplan consists of different phases, and Phase 1, which includes upgrading the existing passenger terminal building and the cargo terminal, is targeted to be completed by end of 2013.[5] Phase 1A was already completed on 1 October 2013, with the opening of the new arrival hall. The capacity of the airport was to be increased to three million by end of 2014. After Phase 1 is completed, Phase 2 could be initiated in 2022, which includes the construction of a new terminal, which will be able to accommodate up to eight million passengers.[5] Currently, the runway is being upgraded to allow bigger aircraft such as Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 to land easily.
Facilities
Brunei International Airport consists of an international terminal which can handle up to two million passengers, a cargo terminal with a capacity of 50,000 tonnes (55,116 tons) of cargo, and a royal terminal where the sultan's flights are based. In 2005, Brunei International Airport handled 1.3 million passengers.[6] Inside the international terminal, there are 40 check-in counters, 12 emigration counters, and 14 immigration clearance counters.[1] Concessionary traders inside the terminal include Burger King and KFC international fast-food outlets,[7]Jollibee regional fast food,[7] plus local 'concept stores' which include food, tea and coffee drinks, and jewellery stores, along with Avis car rental desk.[1] It also includes a VIP Lounge for business travellers.[1] Brunei International Airport has car parking space for 1,440 cars, with a further 300 covered parking spaces.[1]
Other facilities at BIA include a post office, bank, the Department of Civil Aviation (located within the air traffic control tower building), and the Brunei International Airport Mosque.
Access
The airport is located approximately 10 minutes from the centre of the capital. Along with personal car rental options, there are regular taxi services to and from the airport, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes.[8] There are also regular public bus services which go around the capital, taking approximately 30 minutes.[8] In 2009[update], taxi fares range from BND$10.00 to BND$20.00, and the bus fare was BND$2.00 (requiring exact fare only, as no change will be given).[8]
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