5 Million Tourists Expected to Fly Across Indonesia This Christmas: Essential Information for Bali Visitors
As the festive season approaches, Indonesia is gearing up for a significant surge in travel activity, with over 5 million passengers projected to take to the skies during the Christmas and New Year period. Bali, a top destination for both domestic and international tourists, is preparing to welcome a busy influx of travelers. Here is what visitors and residents need to know to navigate this bustling holiday season smoothly.
Nataru: Indonesia’s Festive Travel Season
The Christmas and New Year holidays, known locally as Nataru (a combination of “Natal” for Christmas and “Tahun Baru” for New Year), mark one of the busiest travel times in Indonesia. Families across the archipelago travel extensively to celebrate the holidays together, while a large number of international tourists also arrive to enjoy the festive atmosphere, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Bali.
To ensure safety and smooth travel, the Indonesian government coordinates “Nataru Posts”—command centers stationed at major transportation hubs such as airports, bus stations, and harbors. These posts facilitate traffic management, security, and logistical support throughout the country during this peak period.
Air Travel Forecast: Over 5 Million Passengers Nationwide
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Transportation, the predicted total number of air travel passengers for the 2025/2026 festive season will reach approximately 5,050,194. This includes about 3.9 million domestic travelers and over 1.15 million international passengers.
The busiest airport hubs during this period will be Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. The Jakarta-Denpasar domestic route is expected to be the most heavily trafficked, while Singapore-Denpasar and Kuala Lumpur-Denpasar are anticipated to lead international air travel routes heading to Bali.
Bali Airport Prepares for 1.5 Million Passengers
I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport is bracing for an exceptionally busy two weeks, with an estimated 1.5 million passengers expected to pass through. On average, more than 440 flights will operate daily, and airlines have requested an additional 150 flight slots to meet demand.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of Ngurah Rai Airport, emphasized the collaborative efforts underway to manage the increased passenger flow. “We have coordinated with the Transportation Agency, airport police, the Indonesian Air Force, and local traditional villages to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles to and from the airport,” Shahab said.
Peak Travel Dates and Passenger Tips
- Peak Arrival: December 19, 2025, with an expected 80,000 passengers.
- Peak Return: January 4, 2026, with nearly 79,500 passengers anticipated.
Passengers traveling on these dates are strongly advised to allocate extra time for airport security and check-in procedures due to the high volume of travelers.
Addressing Traffic Challenges
Last year’s holiday season was marked by severe traffic congestion around Bali’s main airport, with some passengers reportedly abandoning vehicles and running along the toll road to reach their flights on time. To prevent a recurrence in 2025, over 2,000 personnel have been deployed across various units to manage traffic flow and accelerate service efficiency at key points within the airport and surrounding roadways.
“Our focus is on cross-unit collaboration to maintain manageable service times, especially during peak hours,” Shahab explained. “We want every passenger to experience a comfortable and smooth journey despite the surge in traffic.”
Final Advice for Travelers
- Plan and book flights and accommodations well in advance.
- Arrive at the airport several hours before your scheduled departure.
- Expect increased traffic congestion en route to the airport and factor extra travel time.
- Follow updates from airport authorities and transportation agencies.
- Consider travel insurance that covers delays and health needs during your trip.
With these preparations in place, Bali and the broader Indonesian travel sector aim to offer a memorable and hassle-free holiday experience for all visitors during the festive season.
Travelers heading to Bali this Christmas and New Year period are encouraged to stay informed about travel advisories and airport updates to navigate the busy season successfully. Safe travels and happy holidays!
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