Bali, known for its pristine beaches and cultural richness, is currently facing a different kind of challenge – severe traffic congestion on the way to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. While the congestion started to build up around 1:00 PM local time (12/29/23), the situation escalated into a serious gridlock later in the evening. The severity of the traffic jam has made many foreign nationals (WNA) decide to get off and walk in the middle of the road, even on the Bali Mandara toll road.
Handy Heryudhitiawan, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, shared insights into the efforts taken to navigate this challenging situation. Traffic engineering maneuvers were implemented to ease the chaos. This involved facilitating two-wheeled vehicles to drop passengers at designated zones, utilizing ride-hailing motorcycles and deploying two-wheeled vehicles to assist passengers with their luggage.
“We strategically positioned trolleys near the vehicle access points to assist passengers with their baggage. Additionally, two boogie cars were deployed to facilitate the mobility of elderly passengers, those with children, and passengers with substantial luggage,” explained Handy, as reported by Antara on Friday (29/12).
The Bali traffic congestion, initially noticeable around 1:00 PM local time, reached its peak in the evening. The unprecedented severity led to situations where many foreign nationals (WNAs) decided to disembark at unconventional locations, such as in the middle of the road or on the Bali Mandara Toll Road, opting to run towards I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to catch their flights.
In response to this challenging scenario, collaborative efforts were initiated with the Airport Police and the Air Force. Aviation Security personnel and parking attendants joined forces to regulate traffic. However, as the volume of vehicles continued to surge, congestion not only plagued the road leading to the airport entrance but also spilled onto other key routes like Kediri Street and Bypass Ngurah Rai.
Observing passengers sprinting to catch their flights, Handy swiftly engaged with airlines to provide assistance to those who found themselves missing their flights. He assured the public that every operational aspect was being meticulously managed.
“To adapt to the density in the Bali region, departure schedules are being adjusted, including the rescheduling of passengers who may have been delayed. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused,” conveyed Handy.
As the situation unfolded, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport continued its operations amidst the challenges, recording a total of 213 domestic flight movements and 157 international flight movements during the peak congestion.
In light of these circumstances, Handy urged potential passengers to plan their journey to the airport with extra caution, recommending early departures to mitigate potential road congestion and ensure smoother travel experiences. The airport management remains committed to ensuring operations and services continue seamlessly, with ongoing coordination with airlines and direct service assistance for passengers.
