I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is undergoing a major runway resurfacing project that is scheduled to last for 10 months, from July 2025 until May 2026. The work involves a complete asphalt overlay of the runway’s surface, covering a length of 3,000 metres and a width of 45 metres.
The General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, confirmed that the project is part of essential infrastructure maintenance aimed at improving the runway’s structural integrity.
“During the process of taking off or landing an aircraft, a flat and sturdy surface with a certain level of strength is required as stipulated in flight safety regulations,” he said. “This overlay work is part of our regular maintenance to ensure that the runway meets those requirements.”
According to airport management, the maintenance work takes place daily between 02.00 and 07.00 WITA. During these hours, the runway is closed temporarily, and airline operators have been asked to make appropriate adjustments to their flight schedules.
Coordination and Response from Airlines
To minimise disruption, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued well in advance, and coordination has been established with AirNav Indonesia, Denpasar branch, and airline operators.
“We have issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM). During the overlay work time, we temporarily close the runway. Airline operators are asked to adjust their flight schedules to and from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport,” said Ahmad Syaugi Shahab.
Despite prior notification, the project has not gone without public reaction. A recent delay affecting Super Air Jet flight IU 745 from Denpasar to Cengkareng sparked widespread attention after a video surfaced online showing passengers, including former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, voicing their frustration.
The flight experienced extended delays on Friday, 11 July, reportedly due to the ongoing runway works.
In the circulating video, Ridwan Kamil called for reconsideration of the maintenance schedule. On behalf of fellow passengers, he urged that the overlay work be postponed to prevent extended delays that impact travel plans.
Airport authorities have reaffirmed that the overlay programme is a critical effort to strengthen the runway and ensure safe aircraft operations. “This programme is carried out to increase the quality and quantity of the runway’s strength,” added Ahmad Syaugi Shahab. “So that flight safety and security during the process of taking off and landing aircraft at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport can be maintained.”
