Rising Avtur Prices Drive Up Airfares, Bali at Risk of Losing Tourists
The rise in avtur prices, which is triggering a surge in airfares, is beginning to overshadow Bali’s tourism sector. The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali is concerned that this situation will cause tourists to hold back or even cancel their holiday plans to the Island of the Gods.
Deputy Chairman of PHRI Bali, I Gusti Agung Rai Suryawijaya, stated that Bali’s tourism conditions remain relatively stable so far. However, he warned that the increase in airfares could directly affect tourists’ interest, as they will recalculate their travel expenses.
“If airfares rise, it will have an impact. Tourists will review their holiday plans because ticket prices are starting to soar,” he said when contacted by detikBali on Wednesday (15/4/2026).
Not only that, Suryawijaya also highlighted the impact of the conflict between Iran and Israel-United States, which could suppress the number of foreign tourists. This is because flights from several major airports in the Middle East, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, are experiencing disruptions.
“The closure of flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha—major hubs—will lead to a decline in tourists, especially those transiting through the Middle East,” Suryawijaya explained.
Facing these pressures, PHRI along with tourism industry players will conduct price calculations to remain competitive amid uncertain global conditions.
“So we will adjust to the situation and conditions as long as it is still possible with reasonable prices. So that everyone can keep going because the global economic situation is tending downwards,” he added.
On the other hand, PHRI continues to pursue a target of 16 million domestic tourist visits by strengthening promotions to major tourist-contributing countries like Australia and tapping into the domestic market.
“PHRI continues to carry out promotional efforts and participate in expos in countries that contribute to Bali’s businesses. Secondly, we are also making efforts to attract domestic guests to choose Bali again as the favourite destination, which is what we want,” he said.
Suryawijaya hopes that the global conflict can soon subside through peace efforts, including from the Board of Peace organisation. According to him, global stability is a key factor for economic recovery and tourism sustainability.
“They have established the Board of Peace, with Indonesia as one of the members to continuously advocate for peace so that the war can be ended soon, implementing ceasefires, so that the situation and conditions will gradually return to normal,” he hoped.