DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Çelebi Aviation has officially launched its ground handling operations in Indonesia, beginning January 1, 2026, with services now operating at two of the country’s busiest airports: I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
The expansion marks a significant step in the company’s international growth strategy and reflects its long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. Bali serves as Indonesia’s primary gateway for tourism, while Jakarta functions as the nation’s main aviation hub and a key center for business travel.
Passenger traffic data highlights the strategic importance of both airports. From January to October 2025, Ngurah Rai International Airport handled a total of 20,330,843 domestic and international passengers, while Soekarno-Hatta International Airport served 45,074,959 passengers during the same period. These figures reinforce Bali’s role as a major tourism gateway and Jakarta’s position as Indonesia’s busiest national hub.
Çelebi Aviation has established operations at both airports by providing passenger handling, ramp handling, security services, and general aviation support. Initial operations focus on domestic flights, with services tailored to meet the demands of high-volume and strategically important airports.
Under its planned operational capacity, the company is targeting up to 1,800 flights and 650,000 passengers annually in Bali, and 4,500 flights with 1.6 million passengers per year in Jakarta. These operations are supported by more than 150 employees in Bali and around 200 employees in Jakarta.
Çelebi Aviation is also positioning its Indonesian operations with a strong focus on sustainability. The company is the first ground handling provider in Indonesia to operate a fully electric ground support equipment fleet, aimed at reducing carbon emissions at airports.
This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s “green airport” objectives and global aviation climate targets, including the ICAO Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) toward net-zero emissions and Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
“Starting operations simultaneously at two major airports such as Bali and Jakarta, which have the highest passenger and flight volumes in Indonesia, requires not only strong operational infrastructure but also a deep understanding of regional conditions and seamless coordination,” said Murali Ramachandran, President of Southeast Asia at Çelebi Aviation, on Thursday (January 15, 2026).
He added that the company’s structure in Indonesia reflects its broader approach of combining global operational experience with local market dynamics.
“Together with our teams in the region, we manage safety, operational continuity, and service quality to the highest standards, while moving forward with reliable and consistent services that create long-term value for all stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem,” he said.
Managing Director of Çelebi Aviation Indonesia, Andy Dias, said the launch of operations in Bali and Jakarta underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Indonesia, in addition to its existing presence at 25 airports across the archipelago.
“We are investing in human resources in Indonesia through structured training programs, including the Çelebi Training Academy, which focuses on developing local talent through certification programs, hands-on operational experience, and the application of global best practices,” Andy said.
He added that close collaboration with airline partners, airport stakeholders, and Indonesian aviation authorities is central to delivering safe, reliable, and timely ground handling services.
“Our main goal is to support connectivity, sustainability targets, and Indonesia’s tourism growth, while contributing to the long-term strengthening of the national aviation ecosystem,” he said.