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 and its runway was one of the longest runways in the far east.