Flight Diversions, Delays, and Disruptions Hit Bali Airport Amid New Year’s Eve Tourist Influx
Denpasar, Bali — December 29, 2025
As Bali prepares for the annual surge of tourists celebrating New Year’s Eve, severe weather conditions have led to significant disruptions at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Heavy rains and strong winds throughout the rainy season have affected flight operations, causing delays, diversions, and cancellations just as the island experiences one of its busiest travel periods.
Severe Weather Impacts Flights
On Saturday, December 27, extreme weather battered Denpasar with relentless downpours and gusty winds, severely impacting air traffic at Bali’s main international gateway. With continued forecasts of adverse weather, travelers arriving at or departing from Bali Airport are advised to closely monitor their flight statuses and airline communications.
During this period, six flights were grounded directly at Bali Airport, while an additional five flights were diverted to alternate destinations as precautionary measures for passenger and crew safety. Flights affected included international arrivals from Melbourne, Perth, Abu Dhabi, Bengaluru, along with a domestic flight from Labuan Bajo.
Airport Authorities Prioritize Safety
Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, Head of the Communication & Legal Division at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, addressed the situation detailing ongoing efforts to manage the disruptions. “Currently, heavy rain persists in the airport vicinity. To ensure the highest safety standards, we are regulating aircraft landings carefully and coordinating with AirNav Denpasar, airlines, and BMKG – the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency,” he shared.
Asmadi emphasized that every operational decision prioritizes the safety of passengers and flights. He noted that beyond grounding some flights, six others remained airborne temporarily, awaiting clearance to land as conditions improved.
Increasing Passenger Traffic Amid Challenges
Data from Bali Airport’s Christmas and New Year Command Post revealed that from December 15 through Boxing Day, over 811,000 passengers passed through, averaging nearly 67,600 travelers daily. The airport, Indonesia’s second busiest, faces compounding challenges as even minor delays generate cascading disruptions in its complex scheduling.
Meteorological warnings remain active from December 29 onward, with Badung Regency—the hub of popular tourist areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu—alongside Gianyar, Klungkung, Tabanan, and Denpasar city on alert for heavy rainfall and strong winds. Sudden weather changes pose ongoing risks to safe airport operations.
Governor Highlights Tourism Growth and Travel Preparedness
Bali Governor Wayan Koster visited the airport terminals on December 28 to oversee preparations and spoke about the flourishing tourism figures amidst these challenges. “In 2024, Bali welcomed approximately 6.3 million international tourists. By December 26, 2025, that number has grown to nearly 6.9 million—a 600,000 increase. We expect more than 7 million international visitors by year’s end,” Governor Koster said.
He further projected an influx of roughly 120,000 tourists in the final days leading to December 31, emphasizing that travelers should anticipate increased airport crowding and traffic congestion.
Traveler Advisory: Allow Extra Time and Monitor Updates
Authorities strongly urge anyone flying into or out of Bali between December 29 and January 4 to plan ahead:
- Leave early for the airport: Expect heavy traffic delays on routes leading to terminals.
- Stay informed: Regularly check airline apps and official airport communication channels for gate changes or updated departure times.
- Be patient and prioritize safety: Flight delays and diversions, though inconvenient, are implemented to ensure passenger safety amid challenging weather.
Looking Ahead
Despite the weather-related disruptions, Bali remains determined to maintain safe and efficient operations during its busiest travel season. Coordination among airport officials, airlines, and meteorological agencies will continue in real time to mitigate impact on travelers.
Visitors are advised to maintain flexibility in their travel plans and keep abreast of ongoing weather developments as the island welcomes thousands to celebrate the festive New Year’s period.
For further updates on Bali travel and weather conditions, travelers should monitor official airport and meteorological sources regularly.
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