Bali, Indonesia Sentinel — I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali announced temporarily suspend on all operations for 24 hours in observance of Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, on Saturday, March 29.
The airport’s General Manager, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, announced that flight services both domestic and international will be halted from 6:00 a.m. local time on March 29 until 6:00 a.m. on March 30.
“During this period, all flight operations will be suspended, except for medical evacuation flights and emergency landings,” Syaugi said in a written statement on Thursday (March 27), as reported by CNN Indonesia.
Respecting Local Traditions
The suspension of airport operations is a mark of respect for Bali’s Hindu community, which observes Nyepi with a day of silence, reflection, and restrictions on travel.
The decision aligns with Circular Letter No. B.16.100.3.4/865/llj/Dishub (2025) issued by the Bali Governor and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM No. A0131/25) published by AirNav Indonesia’s Denpasar branch on January 14, 2025.
“This NOTAM was issued well in advance, ensuring that all airlines have had sufficient time to adjust their flight schedules accordingly,” Syaugi explained.
Impact on Flights and Operations
A total of 425 scheduled flights will be affected by the temporary closure, comprising 207 domestic and 218 international flights operated by 54 airlines.
To ensure a smooth resumption of operations after Nyepi, 19 aircraft will be parked at the airport overnight. Regular flight services will resume as scheduled on March 30.
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Although the airport will be closed, a team of operational, security, and technical personnel will remain on standby in the airport operations control center to handle any emergency situations.
These personnel will be available to accommodate potential requests for medical evacuation (medivac) requests, emergency landings, and technical landings as needed.
A Moment for Reflection and Maintenance
Nyepi, which emphasizes self-reflection and restrictions on movement, also serves as an opportunity for the airport management to evaluate service quality and conduct routine maintenance on airport facilities.
“This break allows us to pause and assess our operations, ensuring that we continue to meet high service standards. It also provides an opportunity to rest our facilities, which operate 24/7 throughout the year,” Syaugi added.
I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Bali is one of the busiest international gateways in Indonesia, handling millions of passengers annually. The temporary closure for Nyepi is a longstanding tradition, reflecting Bali deep respect for its cultural and religious practices.
(Raidi/Agung)
