Tourists Must Detour As World Leaders Will Take Priority During G20 In Bali

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As the G20 Summit approaches, more details are being shared about the change to the flow of normal Bali life during the event. It was announced in the last few months that tourists and residents can expect to see more security officers on the streets and that there will be some road closures.

It has now been confirmed which of the major tourist driving routes will be impacted by the event. It has also been confirmed that there are changes to the regular flight schedule at Bali Airport.

World leaders and their delegations will be transported directly from the newly built VVIP terminal at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to Nusa Dua. The operational adjustments will be in place from the 12th of November to the 18th, though the main event is being held on the 15th-16th. 

The General Manager of Angkasa Pura I Ngurah Rai Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan, told reporters that the changes to airport operations and road closures had been made in alignment with instructions from the Directorate General of Air Transportation.

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Heryudhitiawan has explained, ‘The operational adjustment is in accordance with the regulations set by the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia…So that during the G20 Summit, especially during the arrival and departure of state guests, air traffic at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport can run smoothly’.

It is not only VVIP guests who will be flying into Bali Airport; there are dozens of additional military and security flights, as well as cargo flights carrying all the resources needed for each head of state’s security and comfort. 

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The order of priority for flights will be VVIP flights, military flights supporting the G20, charter flights for delegates, routine private charter flights, and regular commercial flights with limited movement. Heryudhitiawan said, ‘The flight operational restriction period is in place to anticipate the arrival of state guests and G20 delegations at Ngurah Rai Airport. We urge all airport service users to avoid these times when traveling by air, unless there is an important and urgent interest’. 

He continued to explain, ‘During the flight restriction period, traffic around Ngurah Rai Airport is also regulated to facilitate the arrival of State guests participating in the G20. Therefore, for the smooth running of the Indonesian Presidency in the upcoming G20 Summit, cooperation from various parties, including community elements, is needed. 

These diversions will affect all traffic in southern Bali in one way or another but will be felt most readily by taxi drivers, tourists, and those who live and work along the route from Bali Airport to Nusa Dua. According to Bali Police, for traffic heading to the airport, the route changes, and they must follow the following route; Taman Satria Gatot Kaca – Simpang Tiga RS Murni Teguh – Park 23 Mall – Simpang Tiga Kubu Anyar – Harris Hotel Tuban – Rewind Access Loading Dock International Terminal – Airport.

Bali Police announced that for traffic out of the airport, the route is as follows; Airport-Toll Gate North-Harris Hotel Tuban- Simpang Empat Kubu Anyar-Park 23 Mall- Simpang Tiga Murni Teguh Hospital-Joger Kuta- Simpang Tiga Pasar Kuta-Simpang Utara Gelael. 

This will be formally in place from the 14th to the 17th of November, though there may still be delays and diversions from the 12th to the 18th. 

Travelers heading to the airport at any point during the week of the 12th-18th are advised to add extra time for delays and diversions. Likewise, travelers arriving in Bali during this time may be welcomed by more traffic than usual. Though authorities in Bali state they have done their best to avoid adding to traffic congestion and inconvenience to local people and visitors, some aspects of the operation are unavoidable.

Although the flight schedule has been adjusted in advance, travelers are encouraged to double-check flight times with their airline in case of any last-minute changes. Maintaining security for all people is the main priority for authorities in Bali. 

Those in Bali can expect increased police, military, and security service presence on the streets, and some tourist attractions and beaches could be closed at the last minute to accommodate VIP visits.