AirNav Reports Surge in Mudik Flights for Lebaran 2026 Due to This Effect
Jakarta — Domestic flight activity during the 2026 Lebaran travel period has begun showing significant increases even before the peak mass migration period begins. AirNav Indonesia has recorded flight traffic over recent days that has already surpassed initial predictions.
Setio Anggoro, Director of Operations at AirNav Indonesia, stated that the traffic increase has been evident since the start of the Lebaran transport period several days ago.
“This is what we had predicted from the beginning of the year regarding Lebaran transport movement. We initially predicted peak season would occur on H-3, or 18 March, approximately two days from now. We then projected return traffic would reach its peak on 29 March, or H+7,” Setio said during a press conference on Monday, 16 March 2026.
The surge in flight movements has occurred faster than the pattern observed in previous years. One of the main triggers is the work-from-home (WFH) policy implemented by the government ahead of Lebaran.
“With the government’s WFH policy, this has helped distribute traffic more evenly. Since we are currently at H-5, we can see the actual movement patterns,” Setio explained.
Indonesia normally records approximately 5,000 aircraft movements daily across its entire national airspace. However, this figure has now increased considerably.
AirNav also noted that traffic over recent days has not only exceeded last year’s figures but has also surpassed the organisation’s own previous projections.
“Over the past three days since the start of the general Lebaran season, traffic has been significantly higher compared to 2025, and also higher than our AirNav predictions,” Setio stated.
He added that the flexible work policy has enabled some members of the public to begin their mudik journey earlier than usual.
“This is one of the effects because WFH started yesterday. So those making the mudik journey have already begun travelling from Saturday, which is why traffic has been high from the start,” he said.
AirNav expects the surge in aircraft movements to continue increasing over the next two days until it reaches its peak.
“Our prediction is that peak traffic will occur in two days at H-3. Hopefully this movement will be even higher than previous years and our own predictions,” Setio added.
Beyond the national increase in traffic, several major airports have also shown flight activity far above daily averages.
“At several airports, movements are already above daily average levels, and overall traffic this year is approximately 7 per cent higher compared to 2025,” Setio noted.
He emphasised that AirNav continues to monitor traffic developments in real time to ensure the smooth operation of flight navigation services during the mudik season.
“We continuously monitor all traffic so that if there is a surge we can anticipate it more quickly,” Setio concluded.