5 Million Tourists Expected to Fly Across Indonesia This Christmas: Essential Information for Bali Travelers
As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, Indonesia is preparing for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. With the festive period, locally known as "Nataru"—a combination of the Indonesian words "Natal" (Christmas) and "Tahun Baru" (New Year)—millions of people will be on the move, traveling domestically and internationally to reunite with loved ones and enjoy the celebrations. For Bali, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, this influx means significant preparations are underway to manage the surge in travelers.
Anticipated Passenger Volume and Flight Activity
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Transportation has forecasted a massive wave of air travelers over the next two weeks. Officials expect over 5 million passengers to travel on both domestic and international flights across Indonesia during the 2025/2026 Christmas and New Year period. This figure breaks down to approximately 3.9 million domestic passengers and 1.15 million international passengers.
Bali and Jakarta airports are projected to be the busiest hubs during this time, with the Jakarta-Denpasar route identified as the busiest domestic flight route. Internationally, the Singapore-Denpasar and Kuala Lumpur-Denpasar routes are anticipated to handle the highest passenger volumes.
Specifically, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is expected to welcome around 1.5 million passengers over the two-week holiday stretch, managing an average of more than 440 flights daily. To meet the spike in demand, airlines have requested an additional 150 flight slots.
Peak Travel Dates and Traffic Management
The busiest travel days are predicted to be December 19, 2025, when approximately 80,000 passengers are expected to arrive, and January 4, 2026, with an estimated 79,500 departing passengers. Travelers planning to fly on these dates are advised to allocate extra time for airport security procedures and possible congestion.
In response to last year’s travel challenges—which included severe road traffic gridlocks around the airport that led some passengers to abandon taxis and run to the terminal—airport authorities and local transportation agencies have stepped up their coordination efforts. Over 2,000 personnel, including airport staff, police, the Indonesian Air Force, and representatives from traditional villages, will work collaboratively to facilitate smooth vehicle flow and enhanced security at the airport and surrounding areas.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, emphasized that cross-unit collaboration aims to optimize service efficiency at critical points during peak times. Travelers are encouraged to arrive well ahead of their flights to avoid last-minute stress.
Nataru Posts: Ensuring Safety and Smooth Mobility
Across the nation, government agencies have established “Nataru Posts,” or Command Posts, at key transportation hubs such as airports, harbors, and bus stations. These posts oversee security operations and manage traffic to maintain safety and order throughout the holiday season. In Bali, these posts have been active since early December and will continue their operations until January 5. ### Tips for Bali Tourists during Nataru
- Plan Ahead: Due to increased passenger volume, expect longer wait times at airports. Arrive early to accommodate check-in and security checks.
- Allow Extra Travel Time: Road congestion near the airport is possible despite strict traffic management efforts.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of flight schedules and airport announcements for any changes.
- Follow Official Guidance: Cooperate with airport personnel and security staff to help maintain smooth operations.
The festive season is a special time in Indonesia, filled with joy and family reunions. Authorities and airport management in Bali are committed to ensuring travelers experience a safe and comfortable journey amid the holiday travel surge. With proper planning and cooperation, both domestic and international visitors can look forward to a memorable Christmas and New Year in Bali.
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