CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - Several public facilities in Bali will be closed during the celebration of Nyepi, the Saka New Year 1948. One of them is the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, which will temporarily halt all flight activities for 24 hours.
The General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nugroho Jati, stated that all regular commercial flights will be temporarily suspended during the Nyepi celebration.
"All regular commercial flight activities at the airport will be temporarily suspended starting from Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 06:00 AM local time until Friday, March 20, 2026 at 06:00 AM local time," Nugroho Jati said on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
During this period, there will be no regular flights departing from or arriving at Ngurah Rai Airport. This operational suspension has also been announced through Notice to Airmen (Notam) number A0096 issued by Perum LPPNPI or AirNav Indonesia.
This policy has been coordinated with all stakeholders in the aviation sector, including airlines, AirNav Indonesia, the Office of Airport Authority for Region IV, as well as other relevant agencies.
The airport's operational closure during Nyepi is a routine tradition carried out every year. This is aimed at supporting Hindu devotees in Bali to solemnly observe the catur brata penyepian (four abstinence principles).
However, several airport personnel will remain on standby to support emergency flights, such as medical evacuations or special flights that have obtained permission from the relevant authorities.
440 Flights Halted
During the closure period, a total of 440 regular commercial flights are reported to be non-operational. This consists of 231 domestic flights and 209 international flights.
In addition, there are 19 aircraft that will remain overnight (RON) at Ngurah Rai Airport during the operational suspension period.
The last scheduled departure flights before the airport closure are on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:10 PM local time for domestic routes, and on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 01:30 AM local time for international routes.
Meanwhile, the last scheduled arrival flights are on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:05 PM local time for domestic routes, and on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 12:30 AM local time for international routes.
Airport Reopens on Friday Morning
The airport will resume operations on Friday, March 20, 2026. The first departure flight is scheduled for 07:00 AM local time for domestic routes, and 08:15 AM local time for international routes.
Meanwhile, the first arrival flight is scheduled for 08:20 AM local time for domestic routes, and 07:05 AM local time for international routes.
Bali Mandara Toll Road and Natural Parks Also Closed
In addition to the airport, other public facilities that will also be closed during Nyepi are the Bali Mandara Toll Road.
The President Director of PT Jasamarga Bali Tol (JBT), I Ketut Adiputra Karang, stated that the toll road will be closed starting from Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM local time until Friday, March 20, 2026 at 07:00 AM local time.
Nevertheless, the toll road can still be used for emergency conditions, such as ambulance vehicles, firefighting vehicles, or other important operational vehicles.
The use of the toll road for emergency purposes must be accompanied by escorts from pecalang (traditional Balinese security forces) or relevant agencies according to applicable procedures.
During the closure period, toll attendants will remain on standby to ensure services run according to operational standards.
Meanwhile, the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) also announced the temporary closure of several natural park areas during the national holiday and Nyepi break.
The Head of BKSDA Bali, Ratna Hendratmoko, stated that the temporary closure is implemented in four Natural Park areas.
The four areas are:
- Danau Buyan - Danau Tamblingan Natural Park, Tabanan Regency
- Panelokan Natural Park, Bangli Regency
- Gunung Batur Bukit Payang Natural Park, Bangli Regency
- Sangeh Natural Park, Badung Regency
Visits to these natural park areas will be closed for three days, from March 18 to March 20, 2026. These natural parks will be reopened to visitors on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 09:00 AM local time.
ROFIQI HASAN (CONTRIBUTOR)
Read: Lombok-Bali Crossing Set to Close During Nyepi Day
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