Flight Traffic Projected to Rise 4.5% During Eid 2026, AirNav Warns of Unregistered Balloons
AirNav Indonesia has projected an increase of approximately 4.5% in flight traffic during the Eid 2026 exodus period, compared to the same period in the previous year.
The increased aircraft movements during the peak travel season have been anticipated by AirNav through various operational readiness measures across all units of the flight navigation services.
In this regard, AirNav Indonesia’s Director of Operations, Setio Anggoro, emphasised that the organisation continues to monitor the presence of unregistered balloons that pose a potential hazard to air traffic during the 2026 Eid period.
He explained that the primary focus is directed towards several cities in Central Java, where there is significant potential for unregistered balloons in the airspace. Setio stressed the importance of the public’s role in maintaining aviation safety, particularly regarding the unregistered balloons that frequently appear during the Eid period.
According to him, two regions that have frequently experienced problems due to unregistered balloon activities include Wonosobo Regency and Pekalongan City in Central Java. However, several other regions have recently been identified as having such activities as well.
“AirNav Indonesia continues to conduct safety campaigns with the public regarding the dangers of unregistered balloons to aviation through various media channels. However, this problem cannot be solved solely by AirNav,” Setio stated in his remarks on Monday, 16 March 2026.
He expressed hope that public awareness across all segments of society will continue to improve, ensuring that Indonesia’s airspace remains safe for all aviation operations.
Setio added that in addition to balloons, the increase in flight traffic during the Eid period is accompanied by heightened vigilance against various other potential aviation safety risks.
“We continue to increase vigilance against various potential hazards during the Eid period, such as extreme weather, volcanic ash, unregistered balloons, potential bird strikes, and airport and airline operational disruptions,” said Setio.
“All operational personnel are reminded to increase discipline regarding procedures and coordination between units to maintain aviation safety,” he added.