Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is experiencing an unprecedented surge in passenger numbers, setting the stage for its busiest year ever in tourism. Recent statistics reveal that in the first half of 2024, the airport has already welcomed 11 million travelers, indicating a robust rebound and growth in tourism activities on the island.
The breakdown of these impressive numbers includes 4,696,929 domestic passengers and 6,562,090 international passengers, averaging an astonishing 74,563 passengers daily. This 16% increase compared to the same period in 2023 highlights a significant upward trend in both domestic and international travel to Bali.
June 2024 stands out as the busiest month so far, with a record of 2,075,255 passengers and 11,575 aircraft movements. This surge not only demonstrates Bali’s appeal as a top travel destination but also underscores the efficiency and capacity of Ngurah Rai International Airport in handling such volumes.
The top international routes contributing to this growth include:
- Singapore: 1,337,548 passengers
- Kuala Lumpur: 861,749 passengers
- Perth: 494,757 passengers
Domestically, the route between Bali and Jakarta remains the busiest, with 2,304,112 passengers and 14,488 flights recorded so far this year. Other notable domestic routes include Surabaya and Makassar.
Australian visitors lead the international arrivals, with 724,311 Australian passport holders arriving in the first half of 2024. Following closely are travelers from India, totaling 284,699, and China, with 231,094 arrivals.
The airport’s management is not resting on its laurels. According to the General Manager, Handy Heryudhitiawan, plans are underway to expand the airport’s capacity from the current 24 million passengers per year to 32 million by 2031. This expansion is crucial to accommodate the growing number of visitors and ensure that Bali remains a top global travel destination.
Heryudhitiawan also hinted at new international routes being added in the second half of the year, enhancing connectivity and making Bali more accessible to travelers worldwide. Recent additions include direct flights to Bengaluru by Indigo Airlines, Canberra by Batik Air, and a daily service to Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways.
As Bali Airport continues to break records and set new benchmarks in tourism, the island’s appeal as a premier travel destination is more evident than ever. The strategic expansions and continuous improvements at Ngurah Rai International Airport promise an even brighter future for Bali’s tourism industry.
