10 March 2026
The observance of Nyepi, the Saka New Year (Year 1948) in Bali will affect flight operations at Ngurah Rai International Airport. During the implementation of the Catur Brata Penyepian, hundreds of flights will cease operations as airport activities are temporarily suspended.
According to data obtained on Monday (9 March), at least 450 aircraft movements will be affected during Nyepi, which falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The temporary suspension of airport operations is an annual practice carried out as a mark of respect for the sacred day observed by the Hindu community in Bali.
The Airport Operation and Security Services of Ngurah Rai International Airport, represented by Goentoro, confirmed that the observance would impact scheduled flights. The airport authority has also issued an official notification to airlines and relevant stakeholders.
“Airport operations will be suspended from 06:00 WITA on 19 March until 06:00 WITA on 20 March, for a total of 24 hours. Approximately 450 aircraft movements are expected to be halted during the Nyepi observance,” he explained.
The 24-hour suspension has been formally communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). With this notification, all airlines are expected to adjust their flight schedules accordingly before and after the Nyepi observance.
In addition to halting flight operations, the airport authority has also implemented security measures throughout the period. Personnel will remain on duty to ensure the safety and security of the airport area, even though no flights will be operating. “We have prepared a dedicated security team to maintain safety during the Nyepi period,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ngurah Rai International Airport is projected to experience a significant increase in passenger traffic during the 2026 Eid travel period. Bali’s largest airport is expected to serve approximately 1.1 million passengers during the seasonal travel period.
The Eid travel period is projected to last 18 days, from 13 to 30 March 2026. During this time, passenger numbers are estimated to reach 1,130,436 travellers, with a total of 6,742 aircraft movements.
Passenger traffic is expected to surge in the days leading up to Nyepi. The peak of outbound travel is predicted to occur on 18 March 2026, one day before Nyepi, with passenger movements reaching approximately 71,000 travellers. Meanwhile, the peak of return travel is forecast to take place on 28 March 2026.
Airport authorities have advised prospective passengers to pay close attention to their flight schedules and to confirm their travel arrangements with their respective airlines, particularly for those whose journeys coincide with the Nyepi observance.
The Meaning of Nyepi
Nyepi marks the Saka New Year in the Balinese Hindu calendar. Unlike many New Year celebrations around the world that are characterised by festivity and public celebration, Nyepi is observed through silence, reflection, and spiritual contemplation.
During Nyepi, the Balinese community observes the Catur Brata Penyepian, four principal prohibitions that include amati geni (refraining from lighting fires or lamps), amati karya (refraining from work), amati lelungan (refraining from travelling), and amati lelanguan (refraining from entertainment and leisure activities). For a full 24 hours, activities across the island come to a complete halt, including airport operations, port activities, and most economic activities.
Beyond its profound spiritual significance for the Balinese Hindu community, Nyepi also has notable environmental benefits. During the day of silence, Bali experiences a considerable reduction in transportation, energy consumption, noise, and air pollution. Many environmental observers regard this annual pause as an opportunity for the natural environment to “breathe” and restore balance.
For the people of Bali, Nyepi represents a moment for introspection, spiritual renewal, and the reaffirmation of harmony between humanity, nature, and the Divine, reflecting the Balinese philosophical principle of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasises balance and harmony in all aspects of life.
Advisory for Melali Bali’s International Clients
“During the observance of Nyepi on 19–20 March, our international clients may experience slightly delayed responses from the Melali Bali DMC team, as most activities across Bali temporarily come to a halt in accordance with the island’s cultural and spiritual traditions,” said Dr. Ketut Jaman, Managing Director of Melali Bali Group, in Denpasar on Tuesday (10 March).
“Nevertheless, the management of Melali Bali Group will continue to monitor communications and operational matters, particularly those requiring urgent attention, to ensure that any critical issues can be addressed promptly,” he added.
(KJ)