Indonesian Ministry of Transportation Reports Air Visit Increase, Defying Bali Tourist Claims

December 30, 2025 at 12:29 AM•2 min read

Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) recorded a 1.16% increase in air visits to Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport during the Christmas/New Year 2025 period.

Key Points

1Air visits to Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport increased by 1.16% (82,445 passengers) during the Nataru period (Dec 18-29, 2025).
2Airlines operated 267 extra flights to/from Bali, indicating high demand for the Christmas and New Year 2025 holiday season.
3The critical Jakarta-Denpasar route recorded an average load factor of 94%, with 71 additional flights operated to meet demand.
4The Ministry of Transportation is monitoring operations and safety, despite a reported 2% decline in domestic tourist arrivals due to weather and alternative destinations.

The Transportation Ministry Indonesia has released key data. This data counters recent claims of a Bali air visits increase decline. Air visits actually rose 1.16 percent during the Christmas and New Year 2025 period. This period ran from December 18–29, 2025.

Director General Lukman F. Laisa confirmed the high traffic. He noted 82,445 passengers arrived. This is up from 81,500 passengers last year. The Ministry ensures safe and smooth air travel. This includes operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali.

Operational Metrics and Extra Flights

The Directorate General of Air Transportation issued many Flight Approvals issued. They approved 285 permits for Extra flights Bali. Of these, 267 flights were operated. This shows strong airline readiness. It also highlights high passenger demand. Daily Aviation passenger movements reached 82,445. Cumulative flights rose 2.93 percent to 4,787 movements. Overall Air travel statistics show robust holiday traffic.

Key Route Performance

Demand was especially high on major domestic routes. The Jakarta-Denpasar route load factor averaged 94 percent. This indicates near-full capacity. Business class occupancy reached 83 percent. Economy class was completely full at 94 percent. Airlines operated 71 additional flights on this route. This was done to meet surging passenger needs. The Indonesian aviation news highlights this strong domestic travel trend.

Cumulative On-Time Performance (OTP) was 67.48 percent. The overall load factor reached 74.05 percent. The Ministry continues to monitor operations. This includes ramp checks and fare monitoring. This ensures service quality and safety for all passengers.

Context on Tourism Dynamics

The Ministry acknowledged a slight Domestic tourism decline in Bali. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana noted a 2 percent drop. This decline is mainly among domestic tourists. The Minister attributed this to unfavorable weather reports. Alternative destinations in Java also saw a surge in visitors.

Lukman F. Laisa noted the impact of weather. Heavy rainfall and waste management issues are being observed. However, these factors do not impact flight safety. The Ministry and airport authorities coordinate closely. They work to maintain smooth operations despite weather challenges. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. Global aviation bodies like IATA monitor such regional trends. Airlines like Emirates and manufacturers like Airbus watch these market shifts closely.

Airlines must optimize their fleet use. Airports must manage high traffic volume. The strong air travel data confirms Bali's enduring appeal. It remains a key destination for international and domestic travelers.