Badung. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is set to undergo a temporary closure during the Nyepi Day celebration on March 11.

"There will be no airport operations from March 11 at 06:00 a.m. Bali time until March 12 at 06:00 a.m.," Handy Heryudhitiawan, the General Manager of airport operator Angkasa Pura I, announced in Badung Regency, Bali, on Thursday.

Handy clarified that all aircraft movements would be halted during this period, with exceptions only for emergency situations. Coordination with airport and security authorities has been undertaken to ensure a seamless Nyepi Day.

"As in previous years, we consistently implement a temporary airport operational suspension during Nyepi Day. This pause also serves as a blessing, allowing us to provide rest to all facilities at the airport, which are typically bustling on other days," Handy elucidated.

He further conveyed that, alongside the flight suspension, conditions within the airport would adhere to the Catur Brata Penyepian or the four prohibitions during Nyepi, including turning off lights and refraining from activities.

A total of 70 personnel will remain at the airport, ready to handle emergency flights or medical evacuations under specific conditions.

With the cessation of flights for a full 24 hours, Angkasa Pura I said 448 flights will be affected due to non-operation, comprising 244 domestic and 204 international flights.

However, Handy assures that this is not a problem and is comprehended by airlines as an annual routine on the Island of the Gods.

"The notice to airmen (NOTAM) has been disseminated two months in advance, so they have anticipated that there will be no flights on March 11. This means no ticket sales. It's a routine thing, and they are aware of it," he stated.

Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu New Year's celebration marked by a day of silence, meditation, and self-reflection. On Nyepi Day itself, the entire island comes to a standstill, with restrictions on travel, entertainment, and even the use of electricity.

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