As geopolitical tensions are set to become heightened in the coming days and possibly weeks, leaders in Southeast Asia are looking to find ways to mitigate the impact of airspace closures in the Middle East.
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Singapore’s Changi Airport, and Kuala Lumpur Airport could all set in as alternatives to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha as airspace closures continue.
Speaking to reporters on Monday 2nd March, Dr. Putu Ayu Sita Laksmi, an academic from the Faculty of Economics at Bali’s Warmadewa University in Denpasar, explained that the Middle East has long been a crucial hub for flights between Europe and Asia.
He noted that major airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have made several airports in the region their primary transit points for African, North American and European travelers heading to various destinations in Asia, including Bali.
Following the reopening of borders after pandemic lockdowns, airports such as Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport, and Abu Dhabi International Airport have long really stepped up for Bali and as demand for travel to the island grew, have become the primary hubs for long-haul tourists traveling to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Dr Laksmi explained “If there is an escalation of conflict or disruption in the Middle East, flight connectivity could indeed be affected, as the region is a crucial transit hub.”
He noted “Travelers can still transit through Changi Airport in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.” He shared his hopes that Bali Airport would be able to step into a similar role, as well as continuing to receive travelers already set to holiday in Bali. Dr Laksmi added “The challenge isn’t the lack of routes, but rather cost and travel time efficiency. If routes are changed, journeys could be longer and ticket prices could also increase.”
Dr Laksmi also touched on the potential rise in global oil prices due to energy distribution disruptions in the Middle East could also increase operational cost for the travel and tourism sector, including tourist transportation, hotel logistics, and airfares.
As a region whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism, Bali is considered quite sensitive to changes in energy costs. Nevertheless, he remained hopeful that Bali would be resilient to these global conflicts.
Bali Airport has already seen 15 major flight cancellations, from Emirates, Ethiad and Qatar Airways and airspace over the Middle East has closed. Whilemore travel disruptions are inevitable, Bali Airport and travel industry leaders are working around the clock to minimise the imapct on traverelers and support those who have been left stranded in Indonesia as a result of being unable to travel home.
The number of tourists from the Middle East to Bali has been steadily increasing over the last few years, resulting in Emirates launching a daily service to Bali on the world’s biggest commercial aircraft the double-decker Airbus A380, however, as of last month the route switched to being operated on a smaller aircraft.
Travel data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), shows that visits from tourists from the Middle East has been growing. In 2022, 16,014 visits were recorded, rising to 42,147 in 2023, then 57,620 in 2024, and reaching 83,151 in 2025.
The highest growth occurred in 2023 at 142%, followed by 6% in 2024 and another jump of 44% in 2025.
Local senator Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, spoke to reporters and shared his predictions for the Bali tourism space in the coming weeks in light of the conflict and the devastating impacts of this year’s rainy season in Bali.
Global Flight Disruptions
Middle East airspace closures are causing a ripple effect across Southeast Asia. Tap a card to see how airlines are rerouting and what it means for your Bali vacation.
THE DISRUPTION
Canceled Routes
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Southeast Asia Hubs
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Fares & Fuel
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Riding the Storm
TAP TO REVEALHe shared “From my perspective, global political instability has certainly impacted the tourism sector. Several flights have also been canceled, plus yesterday we had extreme weather and three typhoons, resulting in heavy rainfall. Many flights from Australia were also delayed. This has certainly had a significant impact on tourism in Bali.”
He added “If a major war breaks out, everyone will suffer. Bali, as a tertiary tourism industry, will certainly be the first to be affected. People will reduce spending and enter survival mode.”
He concluded “Bali must prepare to be a safe location for foreign tourists who may want to stay temporarily until the situation stabilizes. But of course, tourists who come must be qualified and comply with our regulations.”
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