BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds affected the area around I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Saturday (December 27), prompting temporary adjustments to flight operations, particularly during aircraft landings.
To maintain flight safety, air traffic management procedures were implemented, resulting in several aircraft being instructed to hold in the air while awaiting clearance to land. The measure was taken as part of standard aviation safety protocols amid unfavorable weather conditions.
Head of Communication and Legal Division at Ngurah Rai Airport, Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, confirmed that six flights were placed in holding patterns. These included two flights from Melbourne, one from Perth, one from Labuan Bajo, one from Abu Dhabi, and one from Bengaluru.
“In addition, five flights were diverted, with two aircraft rerouted to Lombok and three to Surabaya,” Sandi Asmadi said when contacted.
He emphasized that the situation was temporary and closely dependent on weather developments around the airport. Once conditions improved, aircraft that had been holding or diverted were gradually able to resume their journeys to Bali.
“At this time, several of those flights have already landed. Overall, flight operations and passenger services are running normally, smoothly, and under control,” he explained.
With Bali entering the rainy season, periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to pose operational challenges for aviation. In response, Angkasa Pura Indonesia, the operator of Ngurah Rai Airport, reiterated that safety remains its top priority.
“As we move into the rainy season, Angkasa Pura Indonesia and the entire airport community continue to prioritize flight safety. Every operational decision is made with that objective in mind,” Sandi Asmadi said.
He added that the airport maintains close coordination with AirNav Indonesia, airlines, and BMKG to ensure safe operations during adverse weather.
Passengers are advised to regularly check their flight status and stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates on departures and arrivals, especially during periods of unpredictable weather.