I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali to Suspend Operations for Nyepi Observance 2026
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will temporarily halt all flight operations and airport activities for 24 hours during the observance of Nyepi, the Hindu New Year (Caka 1948). This suspension reflects the airport’s commitment to supporting and honouring the Nyepi celebrations on the island of Bali.
Nugroho Jati, General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, explained that in accordance with Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) number A0096 issued by Perum LPPNPI/AirNav Indonesia, all regular commercial flight operations at the airport will cease from Thursday 19 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA to Friday 20 March 2026 at 06:00 WITA.
“During this period, no regular flights will depart or arrive at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport,” stated Nugroho in a written statement issued in Jakarta on Thursday 12 March 2026.
According to Nugroho Jati, the operational suspension has been coordinated with all aviation stakeholders, including airlines, AirNav Indonesia, the Regional Airport Authority Office Region IV, and other relevant agencies to ensure smooth operations before and after the Nyepi period. He noted that airline schedule adjustments have been communicated to passengers.
“The temporary suspension of airport operations during Nyepi is carried out routinely every year so that Hindu worshippers in Bali can observe the Catur Brata Penyepian observance with solemnity,” he said.
The airport has coordinated with all stakeholders to ensure passenger services remain optimal before and after the operational halt. Whilst flight operations will be suspended, some airport personnel will remain on standby to support emergency aviation requirements, such as medical evacuation flights or special flights if required and authorised by the relevant authorities.
During this period, 440 scheduled regular commercial flights are unable to operate, comprising 231 domestic route flights and 209 international route flights. During the operational suspension, 19 aircraft are expected to remain overnight (RON) at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali.
According to the schedule, the final departure flights before the operational halt are scheduled for Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 23:10 WITA for domestic routes and Thursday 19 March 2026 at 01:30 WITA for international routes. The final arrival flights are scheduled for Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 23:05 WITA for domestic routes and Thursday 19 March 2026 at 00:30 WITA for international routes.
The first departure flights following the resumption of operations are scheduled for Friday 20 March 2026 at 07:00 WITA for domestic routes and 08:15 WITA for international routes. The first arrival flights are scheduled for 08:20 WITA for domestic routes and 07:05 WITA for international routes.
“We urge prospective passengers with travel plans around those dates to coordinate with their airlines regarding flight schedules and to arrive at the airport according to the departure times that have been announced,” said Nugroho.
He expressed hopes that this year’s Nyepi observance will proceed smoothly and solemnly, bringing peace, wisdom, and renewed spirit in building a more harmonious society.