Bali's Ngurah Rai Among 3 Airports Prepping for 2026 MotoGP Mandalika
Ahead of the 2026 MotoGP Mandalika race on October 9-11, Indonesian airport operator InJourney Airports has announced enhanced readiness at three airports: Lombok, Bali's Ngurah Rai, and Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta. Lombok airport expects around 98,670 passengers during the event period, with airlines adding extra and charter flights plus larger aircraft to meet demand. Bali is highlighted as a key connecting point for spectators heading to the Mandalika circuit.
Indonesian airport operator PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) has confirmed that three international airports are preparing to support the 2026 MotoGP Mandalika, scheduled for October 9-11 in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The airports involved are Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Airport in Lombok, Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, and Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang near Jakarta.
According to the company's president director, Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Airport will serve as the main gateway for MotoGP teams, riders, and both domestic and international spectators heading to the Mandalika circuit. Passenger movement projections for October 5-15, 2026, estimate around 98,670 passengers passing through the Lombok airport, with peak days on October 9 (~8,600 passengers), October 10 (~7,600), October 11 (~9,300), and October 12 (~9,600).
To meet this demand, airlines are adding extra and charter flights as well as switching to larger aircraft. As of the latest count, 66 additional flight arrangements have been confirmed — 48 extra flights, 11 charter flights, 4 aircraft upsizing changes, and 3 positioning flights — bringing the total projected flight movements during the period to around 1,046. The airport operator also said it is preparing staff and infrastructure to handle cargo flights carrying riders' motorcycles and team equipment.
Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali and Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta will support connectivity for travelers coming from other domestic and international cities to Lombok. Given its proximity to Lombok, Ngurah Rai is expected to be a key transit point for spectators traveling via Bali to watch the race.
Things to Consider
Travelers planning to attend MotoGP Mandalika via Bali should book flights early and allow extra time at both Ngurah Rai and Lombok airports, as congestion is expected around October 9-12, 2026. Since charter and extra flight schedules may change, it's advisable to check directly with airlines for the latest flight status close to your travel date.
Source: ANTARA