Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport will shut down its operations for 24 hours during the celebration of this year's Nyepi, or Silence Day, from March 11, the airport's general manager Handy Heryudhitiawan stated.
"During the celebration of Nyepi, the airport's operations will cease, starting from March 11 at 6 a.m. local time to March 12 at 6 a.m.," he remarked in Badung District, Bali Province, on Thursday.
Heryudhitiawan explained that the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will not serve any flights during the period, except in the case of an emergency. He further noted that the airport's management had been in coordination with related stakeholders, including security apparatus, to ensure that the Hindu ritual was held smoothly.
"Like in previous years, we have always stopped the operations of the airport during Nyepi. We view the moment as a blessing, as we have the opportunity to put our busy facilities to rest," he highlighted.
The international airport will also turn off its lighting system and stop all activities as a mark of respect for Silence Day, he stated. He further noted that a total of 70 personnel would stay at the airport to anticipate emergency flights and urgent medical evacuations.
According to Heryudhitiawan, the scheduled pause of the airport's operations would affect 448 flights, comprising 244 domestic flights and 204 international flights.
However, he stated that the airlines fully understand the decision, considering that the temporary closure of public facilities and infrastructure during Nyepi has become an annual routine on the island of Bali.
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"We have already sent notices to airmen two months prior, so that they (airlines) can take anticipatory measures for dealing with the pause scheduled for March 11," he pointed out.
The general manager also stated that the number of aircraft movements served by the airport still stood at the normal level despite Silence Day drawing closer.
"Ahead of Nyepi, the flow of flights is still at the normal level, and we have not seen any spikes," he concluded.
Bali's Ngurah Rai airport to halt operations for 24 hours during Nyepi
General Manager of the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Handy Heryudhitiawan delivers information on the planned pause of the airport's operations during Nyepi in Badung, Bali, on Thursday (March 7, 2024). ANTARA/Ni Putu Putri Muliantari
