Lombok International Airport recorded its highest traffic levels in the five years since the Mandalika MotoGP was first held, highlighting the event’s growing impact on tourism and travel to the island. The increase was particularly evident during the 2026 race, when aircraft movements, passenger numbers, and cargo volumes all rose compared with the same period in the previous year.
The surge coincided with the 2026 Mandalika MotoGP, which brought more visitors to Lombok and increased activity at Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport. The airport recorded a total of 1,217 aircraft movements during the period spanning October 5 to October 16, 2026. This period covered four days before the event and five days after it.
The figure marked a 26% increase from the 966 aircraft movements recorded during the equivalent period in 2025. Passenger traffic also climbed, reaching 106,933 people, up 10% from 97,121 passengers a year earlier. Cargo activity saw an even sharper rise, with the airport handling 1,281 tons, a 37% increase from the 935 tons recorded during the 2025 MotoGP.
Aidhil Philip Julian, General Manager of Lombok International Airport, shared the figures in a statement quoted by Antara on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
“Passenger traffic reached 106,933 people, up 10% from 97,121 passengers during the same period last year. Meanwhile, cargo volume reached 1,281 tons, an increase of 37% compared with the 935 tons recorded during the 2025 MotoGP,” he said.
The figures show how the Mandalika MotoGP can generate activity beyond the race itself. Increased passenger traffic brings more people through the airport, while higher cargo volumes reflect additional demand for transportation and logistics during the event period. Together, these developments point to the wider role that major sporting events can play in supporting tourism-related economic activity in Lombok.
Visitor activity has also continued after the MotoGP ended. Several groups have arrived on the island for other gatherings and sporting activities, giving local tourism businesses further opportunities to serve visitors beyond the main racing event.
One notable group consists of car rental business owners from different parts of Indonesia. Around 1,000 entrepreneurs in the car rental sector are expected to attend an event in Lombok. Their arrival adds another source of visitor activity and brings together business owners from across the country.
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The island is also preparing to host BRN RUN at the Mandalika International Circuit. The sporting event promotes togetherness, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle, offering participants an opportunity to take part in an activity centered on fitness and community.
With approximately 1,000 participants expected, BRN RUN is anticipated to deliver benefits to several local industries. Hotels and other accommodation providers, transportation operators, culinary businesses, and tourism services could all receive a boost from the event. Local businesses throughout West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) are also expected to benefit from the spending and activity generated by visitors.
The continued arrival of tourists and event participants gives Lombok opportunities to sustain tourism activity beyond a single international sporting competition. While the Mandalika MotoGP has contributed to a significant increase in airport traffic, subsequent gatherings and sporting events may help maintain demand for accommodation, transport, food, and other visitor services.
For West Nusa Tenggara, these developments underline the importance of connecting major events with the wider tourism economy. The impact extends beyond the airport and racing circuit, reaching businesses that provide services to visitors throughout their stay. With more groups coming to Lombok after the MotoGP, the island’s tourism and supporting industries have further opportunities to attract visitors and strengthen local economic activity.
