Passengers departing from Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will no longer need to have their luggage screened before checking in, as part of a new policy aimed at streamlining the departure process during the island’s busy holiday season.
Airport General Manager Wahyudi announced the change at a recent press conference, confirming that the updated system has been in effect since 12 June 2025. Luggage inspections—both for checked baggage and carry-ons—will now take place only after passengers pass through passport control.
“In order to improve services while still meeting safety standards, adjustments have been implemented to the inspection of passengers and luggage after the self-reporting process or check-in process,” Wahyudi said, as quoted by The Bali Sun.
The revised procedure follows international aviation regulations and Indonesian law, according to Wahyudi, and mirrors the setup already used in Denpasar’s domestic terminal.
Efforts to modernize Bali’s airport experience
The move is the latest in a series of upgrades to the airport’s facilities. In 2024, Ngurah Rai Airport introduced automated gates at both international arrival and departure terminals to reduce congestion and processing times.
Authorities hope the streamlined process will enhance Bali’s appeal as a tourist destination ahead of the peak travel period. Webjet, an online travel agency, reported that flight bookings to Bali for July and August 2024 nearly doubled compared to September and October.
Ngurah Rai remains the country’s second busiest airport, and the policy change is expected to ease pressure on its international terminal as visitor numbers rise.
