Denpasar, Bali. Operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will be suspended for 24 hours during the upcoming Nyepi Day of Silence, halting all regular commercial flights to and from the island.

The temporary closure will run from 6 a.m. local time on March 19 until 6 a.m. on March 20, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by AirNav Indonesia.

Airport General Manager Nugroho Jati said the shutdown is part of the airport’s commitment to respect Nyepi, a sacred Hindu observance marked by silence, fasting, and meditation across Bali.

“No regular commercial flights will depart or arrive during the period,” Nugroho said in a statement recently.

The airport has coordinated with airlines, aviation authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations before and after the closure. Carriers have also informed passengers of schedule adjustments.

Airport data show that 440 scheduled commercial flights will be affected during the 24-hour shutdown, including 231 domestic and 209 international services. A total of 19 aircraft are expected to remain parked overnight at the airport.

The final departures before the closure are scheduled for late Wednesday night, with the last domestic flight set for 11:10 p.m. and the final international departure at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. The last arrivals are expected at 11:05 p.m. for domestic routes and 12:30 a.m. for international flights.

Operations will gradually resume on Friday morning, with the first domestic departure scheduled at 7:00 a.m., followed by international departures at 8:15 a.m. Incoming flights are set to begin arriving shortly after, starting with international arrivals at 7:05 a.m. and domestic flights at 8:20 a.m.

Passengers traveling around the Nyepi period are advised to check with their airlines for updated schedules and arrive at the airport according to revised departure times.

The annual shutdown of Bali’s main gateway has become a longstanding practice, allowing Hindus on the island to observe Nyepi’s Catur Brata Penyepian rituals in solemnity.

Despite the suspension of commercial services, airport personnel will remain on standby to handle emergency and special flights, such as medical evacuations, subject to approval from relevant authorities.

“We hope this year’s Nyepi observance will proceed smoothly and bring peace and renewed spirit to all,” Nugroho said.