Bali Airport Launches Christmas Operation To Support 1.3 Million Tourists

Bali’s Airport: A World-Class Travel Experience

Azizah, Xander, Darius and Lawrence at Abu Dhabi Airport A few days ago on their way back to Bali

As a seasoned traveler and hotel owner and general manager, I’ve had the privilege of visiting countless destinations around the globe. 

Over the past year alone, my families journeys have taken us to Australia, Chile, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cairo, to name a few.

Bali's International Airport World Class

Yet, my recent return to Bali just two nights ago during the evening rush hour left me thoroughly impressed by the island’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Bali’s airport has evolved remarkably and now stands as one of the finest travel hubs in the world. Upon arrival, I breezed through the Smart Gate passport control and immigration in mere seconds. 

My luggage was ready within 20 minutes, and I cleared customs in just another minute. 

In total, the process was faster—or at least on par with—the efficiency I’ve experienced in top-tier airports globally.

What truly sets Bali apart, however, is the exceptional warmth and professionalism of the airport staff. Unlike other airports, where interactions can often feel rushed or impersonal (think Cairo or Kuala Lumpur), the team at Bali’s airport excels in creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers. Their approach adds a personal touch that enhances the overall experience. 

Kudos to Bali’s airport management and the local government for making Ngurah Rai International Airport a shining example of efficiency and hospitality. It’s no surprise that Bali continues to charm visitors not only with its natural beauty but also with its seamless travel experience.

Published Bali Sun: December 19, 2024

Tourists preparing to visit Bali this Christmas and New Year will be pleased to learn that I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has officially opened the Integrated Post for Transportation Monitoring Christmas and New Year 2024.

For those who remember the travel chaos of Christmas 2023, news that support is in place for the full festive period is a welcome relief.

Opened on the afternoon of Wednesday, 18th December 2024, the Nataru Transportation Post at Bali Airport will operate until 5th January 2025.

This mission is simple: keep Bali’s incoming 1.3 million tourists moving efficiently, safely, and comfortably across the island, but especially so at Bali Airport.

The mission is a collaborative effort between leading authorities in Bali, including Angkasa Pura Indonesia, the Airport Authority Office Region IV, the Denpasar Health Quarantine Center (BBKK), the Ngurah Rai Airport Police, the Indonesian Air Force, Basarnas, and the Bali Metrology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.

The busiest travel day for Bali Airport is forecast to be 20th December, with 489 aircraft movements across the international and domestic terminals, with a maximum possible number of passengers sitting at 83,635 people.

Speaking to reporters, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, shared that he has predicted that Ngurah Rai Airport will serve 1.3 million passengers during the Christmas and New Year holidays and the airport would, on average, serve almost 70,000 passenger movements per day.

When compared to the daily average of passengers from January to November 2024 of 65,000, there is a notable increase of around 7%.

Compared to the previous year’s Nataru, Ahmad Syaugi admitted that there is a projected growth of 10%. Shahab explained, “Aircraft traffic during Christmas and New Year will have 413 movements or 7 percent denser compared to this year’s daily average of 387 aircraft movements.”

“Therefore, we will alert more than 1,300 personnel to ensure that airport operations can run safely, securely, and smoothly.”

Shahab shared more travel forecasting data, which shows that the post-Christmas travel peak will fall on 26th December 2024, with the runway seeing 452 aircraft movements, supporting an estimated 81,000 passengers.

The peak in-coming for the New Year holiday is predicted to fall on 29th December 2024, with 503 aircraft movements and serving a projected 80,766 passengers.

The peak of the outbound, post-New Year holiday flow is predicted to fall on 2nd January 2025, predicted to have 467 aircraft movements with an estimated 79,957 passenger movements, based on current flight bookings.

Therefore, tourists who are flying on the 20th or 26th of December, 29th December, or 2nd January should be prepared for high volumes of traffic on the roads on these days and should be prepared for the possibility of extensive queues at Bali Airport.

With traffic congestion at Bali’s busiest resorts only worsening, with some normally 5-minute moped rides taking over an hour, tourists have to leave above and beyond the amount of time they think they will need to travel between destinations, especially when returning to the airport for their departing flight.

With heavy rains and storms only adding to difficult conditions on the road, authorities in Bali have committed to doing all that they can to keep everyone moving safely and efficiently.

Shahab has responded to concerns that poor weather will worsen the situation at Bali Airport. Last weekend, 19 flights were diverted, delayed, or scheduled due to dangerous weather conditions in Denpasar.

Shahab explained, “We continue to strive to provide certainty that all infrastructure and facilities at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport are in good condition, such as runway slipperiness (skid-resistant), visual aids, especially for flight safety, and electrical systems.”

“We also intensively carry out inspections and maintenance on facilities or equipment at the airport, especially in the airside area, and ensure that all drainage is functioning properly.”