Airport and Ferry Services in Bali Suspended for 24 Hours During Nyepi

JAKARTA — The Ministry of Transportation has begun adjusting the operations of several transport services in Bali ahead of Nyepi (Hindu New Year) celebrations on Saka Year 1948.

The adjustments are being made because this year’s Nyepi celebration coincides closely with the Lebaran 2026 exodus period. The policy aims to maintain smooth public mobility whilst honouring the observance of Catur Brata Penyepian, a sacred tradition of the Hindu community in Bali.

“These adjustments result from coordination between regional government, security apparatus, relevant agencies, and customary community leaders, as outlined in the joint announcement regarding the observance of Nyepi Saka Year 1948,” said Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi in an official statement on Sunday, 15 March 2026.

Flight operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will be temporarily halted from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA until Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA.

“During this period, all flight activities—both domestic and international—will not operate and will resume normal operations after the Nyepi period concludes,” he explained.

Operational adjustments will also apply to ferry transport services connecting Bali with neighbouring regions. The Ketapang–Gilimanuk route is among those affected. Ferry services from Ketapang Port, East Java, will be suspended starting Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 17:00 WIB.

Services from Gilimanuk Port, Bali, will be closed from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 05:00 WITA.

Schedule adjustments will also apply to the Padang Bai–Lembar route. Shipping activities on this route will be temporarily halted during the Nyepi observance, with operations resuming after the Nyepi period concludes.