Brunei International Airport (BWN)

Common Complaints

• Limited Dining and Shopping Options (Airside): A significant and frequent complaint is the lack of diverse food and beverage options and shopping, especially after security. Many services are concentrated landside, making the airside transfer zone "quite disappointing".
• Poor Wi-Fi Connectivity: The free Wi-Fi is often described as limited (e.g., one hour free) and can be intermittent or slow.
• Inconsistent or Rude Immigration/Customs Staff: Several recent reviews (2024-2025) highlight issues with rude or unprofessional immigration officers, particularly towards foreigners, with instances of shouting or unhelpful communication, sometimes due to language barriers.
• Lack of Alcohol/Duty-Free: Due to Sharia law, there are no alcohol sales or cigarette duty-free shops in the airport, which some travelers find disappointing.
• Inefficient Transfer Security Screening: While pre-departure security is quick, transfer security screening processes can be inefficient, with queues reaching up to 30 minutes, although staff are noted to organize it well.
• Ground Transportation Formality and Information: Onward transportation via taxi or bus "lacks formality and information" according to a 2023 Skytrax assessment. Taxis are readily available, and public buses offer a budget option, but some travelers note issues with unmetered taxis charging fixed, higher rates.

Brunei International Airport serves as an efficient gateway and transfer point, lauded for its cleanliness and generally smooth operational flow. However, travelers with longer layovers or those expecting extensive dining, shopping, or unrestricted Wi-Fi should manage their expectations, and recent concerns regarding the demeanor of immigration staff are notable.