Mudik 2026: Airport Passenger Numbers Predicted to Exceed 9 Million
Jakarta — PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) has projected 9 million airline passengers during the Lebaran period in 2026. The company forecasts 160 million passengers for the entire year 2026.
Chief Executive Officer InJourney Maya Watono stated that passenger traffic projections for the Lebaran period this year represent an increase of approximately 2% compared to 2025.
“During the Lebaran period, we expect 9 million passengers, an increase of 2% compared to last year,” she said during a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
Furthermore, Maya highlighted the volatile dynamics of the airline industry resulting from geopolitical implications in the Middle East. However, the company will take measures to ensure Indonesia’s airport ecosystem and tourism sector remain conducive to travel.
“Given the geopolitical climate we are facing, we must anticipate this appropriately. In certain previous periods there have been flight delays and cancellations, among other issues. We are committed to providing the best service to our customers and passengers,” she stated.
Maya noted that each member of the holding company will coordinate and work synergistically in addressing the current geopolitical situation, ranging from airport operations and services to the broader tourism ecosystem. “It is impossible for this ecosystem to function from upstream to downstream without cooperation from all parts of the ecosystem,” she said.
In the same opportunity, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) Achmad Syahir stated that passenger projections for the entire year 2026 reaching 160.7 million represent an increase of 2% compared to 2025. Meanwhile, aircraft movements have declined 0.03% to 1,189,791. However, cargo aircraft have increased by 1.8% to 1.559 million tonnes.
“This presents a challenge for the airport and aviation industry. Among our 37 airports, five are the busiest. These are CGK, Denpasar, Surabaya, Ujung Pandang and Medan,” he said.
Regarding the Lebaran period, he explained that the company will open command posts from 13 to 30 March 2026, with the first significant surge on 13 March when more than 498,000 passengers are expected, with approximately 3,357 aircraft movements.
“The peak is expected around 15 March 2026. The return flows are estimated for 28 March 2026,” he stated.
Additionally, InJourney is anticipating government policy regarding work-from-anywhere (WFA) arrangements. This could trigger higher passenger numbers due to extended holiday periods.
“This also presents an opportunity for people to enjoy longer holidays. However, it is not entirely a holiday since work activities continue as usual but not from the office,” he explained.
He indicated that passenger surges are expected at two airports: Soekarno-Hatta Airport and I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar.
“At CGK on Saturday, 14 March 2026, approximately 179,000 passengers are expected. The return flow on 28 March 2026 is projected at 198,000. This is for Soekarno-Hatta,” he said.
“Meanwhile, for Bali, on Saturday, 14 March 2026, approximately 67,000 passengers are expected. On 28 March 2026, approximately 73,000 passengers are projected,” he added.