Ngurah Rai International Airport to halt operations for 24 hours to observe Day of Silence

Ngurah Rai International Airport will halt operations for 24 hours on Tuesday to observe the Hindu Day of Silence.

The closure of the airport will start on Tuesday at 6 a.m. and will last until 6 a.m. the following day.

"Despite the closure, the airport will accommodate emergency landings and medical evacuations," said PT Angkasa Pura I's communications and legal division head Arie Ahsanurrohim.

Arie said airport officials would be on call to anticipate any emergencies requested by related authorities such as state air navigation firm Airnav Indonesia, the immigration office, the customs and excise office and health agencies.

Airnav Indonesia has also issued a letter to all airports across the world notifying them of the annual closure.

“The notice was issued in December 2016 so that all airlines had enough time to rearrange and reschedule their flights,” he said.

For the closure, at least 324 regular flights were re-scheduled, comprising 193 domestic flights and 131 international flights.

Nyepi is a religious holiday that marks the Caka New Year, observed by the Balinese.

The day is celebrated through meditation and contemplation. The people on the island refrain from using electricity, making fires, traveling outside the home or participating in entertainment activities.

All access to the island will be totally closed for 24 hours. Bali will turn silent as no one will be allowed on the streets. (wit)

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by Ni Komang Erviani Ni Komang Erviani

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