Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport welcomed approximately 1.14 million passengers during 18 days of the Eid al-Fitr period, from March 13 to 30, 2026. The airport's general manager, Ngurah Gati, reported that this figure includes 503,000 domestic travelers and 639,000 international travelers, reflecting a 1% increase compared to the previous year.
The air traffic peaked three days before Eid, with 71,442 passengers recorded on March 18, while the highest number after Eid was on March 23, with 72,139 passengers, marking the busiest day during the holiday.
Event Details
During the Eid al-Fitr period, a total of 6,927 flight movements were recorded, representing a 3% increase from last year's 6,734 movements. The busiest domestic routes included Tangerang with 1,400 movements, followed by Surabaya and Lombok.
For international flights, Singapore was the busiest destination with 538 movements, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Perth. Additionally, 272 extra flight movements were added to meet the rising demand.
Background & Context
The Eid al-Fitr period is one of the busiest times for air travel, as many people travel to celebrate with their families. I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport is one of the most important airports in Indonesia, serving as a major destination for tourists from around the world, making it a pivotal point in the Indonesian tourism sector.
Local authorities are continually striving to enhance airport services, implementing various measures to ensure smooth operations, such as increasing staff numbers and activating traffic monitoring centers.
Impact & Consequences
These figures indicate a recovery in the aviation and tourism sector in Indonesia, reflecting an improvement in the economic situation following the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in air traffic suggests a return of confidence among travelers, which could lead to a more significant tourism revival.
The successful management of air traffic during this period demonstrates the authorities' capability to handle crises and improve services, potentially attracting more investments in the future.
Regional Significance
Indonesia is a favored tourist destination for many Arab tourists, especially from Gulf countries. With the increase in air traffic, this could enhance tourism ties between Indonesia and Arab nations, opening new avenues for economic and cultural cooperation.
In conclusion, these figures reflect Indonesia's success in managing air traffic during the holiday period, reinforcing its position as a major tourist destination.