Bali, Indonesia’s popular resort island, is experiencing a decline in international tourist arrivals, with approximately 800 fewer visitors each day, due to airspace disruptions stemming from escalating regional conflict in the Middle East.
Bali Tourism Impacted by Middle East Airspace Disruptions
“There has been a decrease in foreign tourist arrivals in the past four days,” Bali Governor Wayan Koster said on Thursday.
The decrease is largely attributed to airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East, which have led to flight cancellations and altered transit routes for airlines.
Travelers from Europe, who typically connect through hubs like Dubai or Doha, are now rerouting through cities in Singapore or Thailand to reach Bali, Koster said.
Between Feb. 28 and March 4, at least 35 international flights were canceled at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, including services operated by Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways on routes linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha with Denpasar, according to The Bali Sun.
Bali’s immigration office has introduced a free same-day emergency stay permit for affected travelers whose flights were disrupted and who risked overstaying their visas, AFP reported.
Bali remains a sought-after tourist destination in Southeast Asia, renowned for its scenic landscapes, beaches, traditions, historic sites, and temples.
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