Bali Airport Traffic Remains Steady Despite Nationwide Protests, Passenger Growth Continues
Denpasar, Bali — Passenger traffic at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has remained stable amid nationwide protests that occurred in late August, according to airport authorities. The airport’s General Manager, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, reported on Monday that passenger numbers held steady during this period, demonstrating the resilience of Bali’s crucial transportation hub.
In August 2025, the airport averaged 75,319 passengers per day. On August 30, the day when countrywide protests took place, the airport served 74,830 passengers, while on August 31, it handled 76,356 passengers. These figures are consistent with typical daily passenger volumes, indicating that the protests had no significant impact on airport operations. Correspondingly, aircraft movements also remained stable, with 418 flights on August 30 and 423 flights on August 31. Overall, Ngurah Rai International handled 2.33 million passengers in August, marking a 2.5 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Of these, international travelers accounted for approximately 1.47 million, while domestic passengers totaled 863,501. The busiest day of the month was August 1, which saw 79,810 passengers passing through the airport.
The volume of flight activity also saw a year-on-year increase, with 12,893 takeoffs and landings in August—up 1.6 percent from August 2024. International flights numbered 6,889, while domestic flights totaled 6,004. The highest daily number of flights was recorded on August 8, with 440 flights taking off and landing.
From January through August, Ngurah Rai International Airport served over 16.1 million passengers, including more than 10.17 million international travelers and nearly 5.94 million domestic passengers. The airport supported a total of 94,911 flights over this eight-month span.
To accommodate rising demand, the airport has been upgrading its services. Among the improvements, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International has begun adopting the government’s All Indonesia application, designed to streamline arrival procedures for foreign visitors. This digital system is being implemented gradually with coordination from Immigration, Customs, and the Health Quarantine Agency. Currently, international travelers constitute 63 percent of total passengers passing through the airport.
The airport’s steady performance amid social unrest highlights Bali’s ongoing strength as a global tourism destination. Governor Wayan Koster reassured both tourists and residents that Bali remains safe and stable. “There’s no need to worry. Tourists are welcome to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unique culture. The situation is very conducive,” he stated.
Bali’s ability to maintain steady tourist inflows and airport operations even during times of national protests underscores the island’s vital role in Indonesia’s tourism sector and its reputation as a welcoming and secure travel destination.
Related Developments
- Bali recorded its highest foreign tourist arrivals this year in July 2025, welcoming 697,000 visitors.
- Increasing tourism has also brought attention to violations by some foreign tourists, prompting calls for enhanced regulation.
- The airport and regional authorities continue efforts to boost infrastructure and services to support Bali’s expanding tourism industry.
As Bali continues to attract international travelers, the airport and local government remain committed to ensuring smooth and safe access for all visitors, reinforcing the island’s position as a premier travel destination in Southeast Asia.
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