Bali reopens airport

The airport authority at Ngurah Rai in Bali has restarted operations after being shut down for 24 hours on account of Nyepi Day being observed on Wednesday.

"We have already begun operations at the airport at 6 a.m. local time," Trikora Harjo, general manager of PT Angkasa Pura I of the Ngurah Rai International Airport, stated here on Thursday.

Lion Air JT-035 bound for Soekarno Hatta Airport of Jakarta was the first flight to take off from the Ngurah Rai Airport.

Additionally, the first international flight that took off from the airport was Jetstar Australia JQ-117 bound for Perth.

"The airport has operated as usual. We have also arranged the schedule as Nyepi is an annual event," Harjo noted.

The authority has also informed all airlines regarding the airports closure through the issuance of Notice to Airmen (Notam) A-0087/16.

As many as 229 domestic and 158 international scheduled flights were not operated during Nyepi Day.

The Transportation Ministry has shut down operations at the Ngurah Rai Airport on the occasion of Nyepi Day since 2000 to honor the Hindu holy day.

Hindus in Bali and other parts of the country observed the holy day of silence or "Nyepi" for 24 hours, ahead of the Saka New Year 1938 on Thursday.

During Nyepi Day, Hindus refrain from engaging in any physical activity, lighting fire, traveling, and leisure activities.

They remain in their homes from 6 a.m. local time on March 9 for the next 24 hours to pray and introspect.
Source: ANTARA