Bali Travel Update: Flights Resume at Ngurah Rai Airport

Indonesia Airfare Prices 2024 – The government has shared exciting news for Indonesian travelers: domestic airfare prices are set to decrease by the end of 2024 and into early 2025. This follows the ongoing efforts initiated by the Task Force for Lowering Airfare Prices, originally formed under President Joko Widodo’s administration. Despite the change in leadership to President Prabowo Subianto, the task force’s work will continue, ensuring that the goal of reducing high domestic airfare costs remains a priority for the new administration.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, confirmed that despite the leadership change, the task force would continue its efforts to lower ticket prices. “We will continue the program, especially regarding domestic airfare prices. We will also work with the Ministry of Transportation and Pertamina to address these issues,” said Airlangga on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Jakarta.

Source: WikiPedia

Flight Operations at Ngurah Rai Airport Stabilize After Eruption-Related Disruptions

Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, reported that operational plans on Friday showed a total of 399 aircraft movements, both arrivals and departures, with no flight cancellations due to the eruption’s impact.

On Wednesday (13/11), the highest number of flight cancellations occurred, totaling 115, consisting of 32 domestic flights and 83 international flights. This number decreased on Thursday (14/11) to 52 flights, including 11 domestic (6 departures and 5 arrivals) and 41 international flights (22 departures and 19 arrivals). Australia was the most affected route with a total of 61 cancellations, 47 on Wednesday and 14 on Thursday.

Shahab highlighted that on Thursday, several airlines operating routes to Australia, such as Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar, resumed operations. Although not fully operational, active routes included Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.

Increasing Passenger Numbers Highlight Ngurah Rai Airport’s Recovery Post-Eruption

The airport’s gradual return to normalcy is also evident from the increase in both domestic and international passenger numbers; from 35,865 on Wednesday to 54,320 on Thursday. The number of aircraft movements reflected a similar trend, from 206 on Wednesday to 326 on Thursday. Throughout the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, Shahab affirmed that the operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport continued normally. PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia appreciated the support and attention from all parties in information dissemination and passenger services, ensuring optimal airport services despite the natural circumstances affecting flights.

Putu Gede Hendrawan, Chairman of the Bali Villa Association (BVA), expressed relief over the improving flight conditions at Ngurah Rai Airport, highlighting the positive progress toward normalcy. He noted that while the flight disruptions caused by the eruption in East Flores had impacted Bali’s tourism sector, including hotel and villa bookings, the cancellations were not significant. Villa guests, who typically stay longer ranging from a week to a month or more, have the flexibility to adjust their plans and monitor developments, mitigating the overall impact.

Villa Occupancy Rates Decline Amid Eruption and Travel Disruptions

However, the eruption has deepened the downturn in villa occupancy, which was already declining due to the low season in October-November. “Every year, November is a low season before it recovers in mid or the third week of December ahead of the holiday season,” he explained. Currently, average villa occupancy rates range between 60 and 65 percent, with hopes that the eruption will conclude soon.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,012 passengers affected by the eruption arrived at Benoa Port, Denpasar, aboard the Pelni Binaiya ship from Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). One of the passengers, Nana Roland from Labuan Bajo, shared that he initially planned to fly to Bali, but the Komodo Airport was temporarily closed due to the eruption. The ship docked at Benoa Port on Friday morning around 04:30 Wita after departing from Marina Port, Labuan Bajo, on Wednesday at 21:00 Wita. He switched to sea transport to Bali as the Komodo Airport was intermittently closed due to volcanic ash since Saturday (9/11).

Roland explained that he managed to secure a ticket on the Motor Vessel (KM) Binaiya after failing to get one for the KM Tilongkabila for Monday’s departure due to sold-out tickets. “Getting a ticket required queuing for an hour and a half, as many foreigners and other passengers were also scrambling for ship tickets,” he said.

Overcrowded Conditions as Passengers Turn to Sea Transport Amid Airport Closures

Due to the urgent situation and dense passenger load, some passengers resorted to resting in hallways, side terraces, and outside seats. Arfah Yusuf, Head of Pelni Denpasar Branch, explained that KM Binaiya carried 1,012 passengers, 410 of whom were foreign nationals from various countries in Europe and Asia who switched to sea transport due to the temporary closure of Komodo Airport from the volcanic ash impact of the eruption in East Flores, NTT.

Yusuf noted a significant increase in the number of passengers transported, well above the normal average of about 200 people from a capacity of 1,000. The Pelni ship became an alternative when Komodo Airport was temporarily closed, especially for foreign tourists continuing their journey from Bali. To date, several airports in East Nusa Tenggara remain affected by volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.

Plan Your New Year's Getaway to Bali! - Ngurah Rai Airport flights

As flights resume normal schedules at Ngurah Rai International Airport, the idyllic island of Bali invites you to celebrate the New Year 2025 in Bali with exceptional style and comfort at Dijiwa Sanctuaries’ hotels. Now is the ideal time to book your holiday retreat and immerse yourself in an environment where luxury meets tranquility. Dijiwa Sanctuaries offers you an unparalleled hospitality experience with serene surroundings, luxurious accommodations, and meticulous attention to detail in service. Begin the new year refreshed and rejuvenated by indulging in spa treatments, gourmet dining, and cultural experiences unique to Bali. Book your stay now to secure a memorable celebration in this perfect paradise setting. Embrace the spirit of the new beginnings with open arms and an open heart in the breathtaking beauty of Bali.

Note: The information above is taken and modified from NusaBali.com