(BALI) As of August 2025, travelers passing through Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport will see far more police on duty, with officers patrolling the airport complex 24/7 to keep crowds safe during a record travel year. The move is a joint plan by Bali Police and airport management as arrivals surge to new highs during holidays and peak seasons.
Airport Area Police Gusti Ngurah Rai representative, Ipda I Gede Suka Artana, confirmed the expanded patrols and said teams will focus on safety and public comfort. Ngurah Rai International Airport operates around the clock except on Nyepi, Bali’s annual Day of Silence, so police coverage is being matched to the airport’s hours.
On busy days, total passenger flow can top 62,000, stretching facilities and lines across check-in, security, and baggage halls. The increased presence aims to keep movement smooth while addressing problems quickly, protecting visitors and staff while maintaining a friendly culture across the island’s main gateway.
Security patrols and where you’ll see officers
More uniformed teams are now rotating through:
- Terminal entrances
- Arrival and departure halls
- Curbside areas
- Parking zones
Night shifts have been reinforced so travelers landing after midnight meet the same presence and support as those on daytime flights. Officers will:
- Conduct standard security checks
- Monitor for bottlenecks
- Help tourists with directions and basic information
- Respond quickly to lost items, medical needs, or clashes in crowded spaces
For families with children and luggage, or solo travelers arriving late, steady patrols are intended to calm nerves and speed assistance when issues arise.
Important: Ngurah Rai operates 24/7 except on Nyepi. Expect police coverage to match these operating hours.
Screening, technology, and accessibility upgrades
In parallel with increased patrols, the airport has made several operational changes:
- Rolled out a Multi-View Dual-Energy X-ray baggage screening system, live since June 12, 2025.
- Scans now take place after check-in and passport control, helping spread passengers more evenly and reducing early-line congestion.
- Changes align with Indonesia’s National Aviation Security Program under Decree No. 39 of 2024.
- General Managers Wahyudi and Ahmad Syaugi Shahab emphasize serving passengers well without lowering international security standards.
Accessibility improvements include:
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair assistance
- Special needs counters to support seniors and travelers with disabilities
Officers may ask about items such as power banks and electronic cigarettes during checks — the existing rules for those items still apply.
What travelers should expect and how to prepare
Tourists will notice more officers at:
- Entry doors
- Immigration queues
- Baggage carousels
- Curbside and pick-up zones, including late-night and early-morning waves
To make your passage smoother:
- Keep travel documents handy.
- Follow staff directions.
- Ask officers for help when unsure.
- Plan extra time for road traffic, drop-off checks, and the post-passport screening step.
Daily flows average 30,000–40,000 people but can surge past 60,000, so leaving a time cushion helps ensure you make your flight. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the airport handled more than seven million passengers in the first four months of 2025 and is on pace to break annual records.
Airport Area Police stress a dual aim: safety and service. Officers are there to patrol and to assist — often a quick chat can solve a small problem before it escalates into a missed flight or longer delay.
Context, outlook, and official guidance
Key figures and context:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| January–April 2025 passengers | >7 million |
| Average daily flow | 30,000–40,000 |
| Peak daily flow | >60,000 |
The current security plan builds on visitor growth while keeping the airport welcoming. General Manager Wahyudi and General Manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab reiterate that safety and comfort go together and that the airport’s systems meet global aviation standards.
Bali Police and airport authorities plan to keep the stronger patrol model in place through the year and expand it if visitor numbers continue to rise. Officials encourage travelers to:
- Stay aware of local rules
- Use official information channels for updates, such as the Ministry of Transportation site: https://dephub.go.id
- Consult home-country travel advisories (for example, the U.S. Department of State for travelers from the United States 🇺🇸)
Final takeaways and traveler tips
The increased presence of officers is intended to:
- Make help easier to find
- Deter petty crime in crowded hubs
- Keep lines moving and tempers calm during busy periods
Practical tips:
- If traveling with medication, mobility devices, or young children, tell an officer at the curb or entrance so they can point you to the quickest route.
- Expect the enhanced patrols to continue through 2025, with adjustments during holiday spikes.
The aim is simple: safety — delivered in a way that supports passenger service and keeps Bali’s main gateway welcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport expands 24/7 police patrols from August 2025 to manage surges. New screenings began June 12, 2025, easing congestion. Officers cover entrances, halls, curbsides and parking, assisting travelers and enforcing rules. With daily flows routinely 30,000–40,000 and peaks above 60,000, authorities aim for safety and smoother service.
