Bali Airport Traffic Remains Stable Amid Nationwide Protests, Passenger Growth Steady
Denpasar, Bali — Despite the widespread protests across Indonesia at the end of August, Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport experienced no disruption in passenger traffic or flight operations, according to airport officials.
Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of Ngurah Rai Airport, confirmed on Monday that passenger numbers and aircraft movements during the protest period closely matched normal levels. On August 30, the day protests occurred, the airport accommodated 74,830 passengers, while the following day saw 76,356 travelers—figures consistent with the airport’s average daily passenger flow.
“We averaged 75,319 passengers daily throughout August,” said Shahab. “Aircraft movements were also stable, with 418 flights on August 30 and 423 flights on August 31.”
Overall, Ngurah Rai International Airport handled 2.33 million passengers in August 2025, marking a 2.5 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Out of the total, international travelers accounted for approximately 1.47 million, while domestic passengers numbered 863,501. The busiest day recorded was August 1, with 79,810 passengers passing through the airport.
Flight operations similarly saw growth, with a total of 12,893 takeoffs and landings in August, reflecting a 1.6 percent year-on-year increase. There were 6,889 international flights and 6,004 domestic flights. The highest daily flight volume occurred on August 8, totaling 440 flights.
From January through August 2025, the airport has served over 16.1 million passengers, split between 10.17 million international and 5.94 million domestic travelers. During the same period, the airport managed 94,911 flights in total.
To accommodate the rising demand, Ngurah Rai Airport is upgrading its services, including integrating the government’s All Indonesia application, designed to streamline the arrival process for foreign visitors. Shahab explained that international travelers now make up 63 percent of the airport’s passenger base, and the application rollout is progressing with assistance from Immigration, Customs, and the Health Quarantine Agency.
The airport’s strong performance amid national unrest highlights Bali’s resilience as a premier global tourism destination. Bali Governor Wayan Koster reassured visitors of the island’s safety and stability, emphasizing that tourists are encouraged to continue enjoying Bali’s attractions without concern.
“There’s no need to worry. Tourists are welcome to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unique culture. The situation remains very conducive to travel,” Governor Koster stated.
This steady passenger flow and operational stability come amidst increasing tourist arrivals, with Bali recording 697,000 foreign tourists in July 2025—the highest monthly figure this year.
Ngurah Rai’s resilience amid challenges confirms its critical role in supporting Bali’s tourism sector and Indonesia’s broader economic recovery.
Related Developments in Bali and Indonesia’s Tourism Sector:
- Bali has recently recorded its highest foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, underscoring continued growth in the tourism industry.
- Efforts are underway to boost small and medium enterprises in Bali to complement the island’s tourism economy.
- Partnerships with international organizations aim to revitalize and innovate Bali’s tourism infrastructure.
- The Indonesian government continues to emphasize cultural preservation as a core element of sustainable tourism growth.
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