1,631 Passengers at Ngurah Rai Airport Affected by Middle East Airspace Closure
Operational conditions at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali faced serious challenges in early March 2026. A total of 1,631 prospective passengers from various international airlines were stranded due to flight cancellations and schedule adjustments to the Middle East region.
These cancellations were a direct result of airspace closures in several Middle Eastern countries, which forced airlines to make massive route adjustments. By Sunday (1 March), queues of passengers were visible in the international departure terminal area due to uncertain schedules.
Communication and Legal Division Head PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia at Ngurah Rai Airport, Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, confirmed that airspace closures in conflict regions or high-risk zones in the Middle East were the primary cause of this disruption.
“In relation to airspace closures in several countries, there are a number of flight routes at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport that have experienced delays and schedule adjustments,” explained Gede Eka.
Despite passenger congestion on specific routes, airport management ensured that overall airport operations continued normally. Field officers continued to work to regulate passenger flow to avoid disrupting both domestic and other international flight operations.
Based on data through Sunday at 11:00 am Wita, five major flights from Bali to major hubs in the Middle East were recorded as having total cancellations.
PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) management is now strengthening coordination with various relevant agencies to mitigate further impacts. In addition to intensive communication with airlines, the airport is also collaborating with AirNav Indonesia to monitor global airspace developments.
Regarding the handling of the 1,631 affected passengers, the airport assured that compensation and assistance would be provided in accordance with each airline’s internal policy, whether in the form of refunds, rescheduling, or accommodation provision.
For prospective passengers requiring updated information on their flight status, Ngurah Rai Airport provides two main communication channels.
Passengers are urged not to travel to the airport until receiving official confirmation from their respective airlines to avoid further congestion in the terminal area.
Security observations at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport have been increased following the cancellation of five flights to several Middle Eastern countries due to escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.