Badung, Bali. Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has activated a 21-day integrated service post to manage a surge in passenger traffic during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, with total travelers expected to reach around 1.5 million.

State airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia began operating the monitoring post on Dec. 15, with operations set to run through Jan. 4, 2026. 

Airport operator estimates show aircraft movements will reach 9,304 over the period, averaging more than 440 flights per day. The increase is supported by applications for 510 additional domestic flights, reflecting strong demand for air travel to and from the resort island.

Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, said passenger traffic is expected to peak in two distinct waves: inbound travel ahead of Christmas and outbound flows after the New Year.

“The peak arrival flow is forecast for Dec. 19, with around 79,993 passengers, while the return peak is expected on Jan. 4, with about 79,481 passengers,” Syaugi said. “Overall passenger volume during the Christmas and New Year period is projected at 1.5 million, up about 4% from last year.”

To mitigate risks associated with the rainy season, airport authorities have implemented a series of preventive measures. These include inspections and maintenance of airside facilities, checks on drainage systems and flood control pumps, terminal building maintenance, and real-time weather monitoring in coordination with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

“All airport facilities have been thoroughly inspected, and we are in constant coordination with BMKG to ensure weather conditions are closely monitored. The airport is fully prepared to receive flights from all destinations,” Syaugi said.

As with previous peak travel seasons, the airport has also prepared contingency plans to handle potential disruptions beyond normal operations, including traffic congestion and flight delays.

Since the service post was activated on Dec. 15, passenger traffic has already reached 125,806 travelers, averaging 62,903 passengers per day. Aircraft movements totaled 813 flights, or about 406 flights per day — exceeding the January–November daily average of 391 movements.

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