Bali Airport Operator Announces 24-Hour Operational Closure During Nyepi
Denpasar — The operator of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport has announced a 24-hour cessation of flight operations during the observance of Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence.
In accordance with Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Number A0096 issued by Perum LPPNPI/AirNav Indonesia, all regular commercial flight activities at the airport will be halted from Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 6.00 AM Wita (Western Indonesia Time) until Friday, 20 March 2026 at 6.00 AM Wita, according to General Manager of Ngurah Rai International Airport Nugroho Jati.
The operational closure forms part of the airport’s commitment to supporting and honouring the observance of Nyepi. During this period, no regular departures or arrivals will take place at the airport.
Nugroho stated that the announcement of the operational cessation has been coordinated with all aviation stakeholders, including airlines, AirNav Indonesia, the Regional Airport Authority Office for Region IV, and relevant agencies to ensure that operations before and after the Nyepi period proceed smoothly. All airlines have been instructed to inform passengers of flight schedule adjustments.
“We have coordinated with all parties to ensure that services to airport users remain optimal before and after the operational closure period,” he stated.
Airport data indicates that 440 regular commercial flight schedules will not operate during the 24-hour Nyepi period, comprising 231 domestic flights and 209 international flights. During this time, 19 aircraft are scheduled to remain overnight or be parked at the airport.
The final departure before the operational closure is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 March at 11.10 PM Wita for domestic routes and Thursday, 19 March at 1.30 AM Wita for international routes. The final arrival is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 March at 11.05 PM Wita for domestic routes and Thursday, 19 March at 12.30 AM Wita for international routes.
Following the reopening of operations, the first departure is scheduled for Friday, 20 March at 7.00 AM Wita for domestic routes and 8.15 AM Wita for international routes. The first arrival is scheduled for 8.20 AM Wita for domestic routes and 7.05 AM Wita for international routes.
The airport operator appeals to prospective passengers with travel plans around those dates to coordinate with their respective airlines regarding flight schedules and to arrive at the airport at the times they have been informed.
The temporary cessation of airport operations during Nyepi is a routine practice at Ngurah Rai International Airport, enabling the Hindu community on the Island of the Gods to observe the Catur Brata Penyepian (Four Vows of Self-Restraint) with solemnity.
Although flight operations are halted, Nugroho stated that a number of airport personnel will remain on duty in the airport area. They will stand by to support urgent flight operations, such as medical flights or special flights if required and approved by the relevant authorities.
“We hope that this year’s observance of the Nyepi religious ceremony will proceed smoothly and solemnly, bringing peace, wisdom, and renewed spirit to all of us in building a more harmonious life,” Nugroho Jati said.