Brief History
History of the Department of Civil Aviation
Commercial air transport in Brunei began in 1953, with the establishment of air service
links connecting Bandar Seri Begawan with Anduki in the Belait district. Initial flights
to Malaysia were made to accommodate travellers from Labuan in Sabah and Lutong in
Sarawak. Airport services were operated from the Berakas area at an old runway site built
by the Japanese during World War II. It was known then as the Brunei Airport.
The growth in popularity of air travel in the '70s resulted in a significant increased in
the civil aviation movement. Suddenly, the old airport was swamped with activity,
operating beyond its capacity. This prompted the Government to scout for a new site to
build a modern airport, in order to cater to the needs of the growing number of users, and
simultaneously utilising modern technological development.
A new airport was constructed in Mukim Berakas in the Brunei-Muara District. The choice of
the site proved a wise decision. It has the advantage of a strategic location - easily
accessible from all areas of the country. The airport became operational in 1974. Its
inauguration marked an important date in the history of civil aviation in Brunei. The
airport opened Brunei to the world. Aptly, the new airport was named Brunei International
Airport.
