Bali Floods Trigger Airport Disruption And State Of Emergency

Severe flooding has swept across large parts of Bali this week, prompting the provincial government to declare a state of emergency and forcing Ngurah Rai International Airport to announce a force majeure.

Heavy rains, described by officials as the worst in 70 years, have left homes and businesses inundated, roads paralysed and rescue operations under way in key tourist districts.

At least six of the island’s nine regencies have been affected by flash floods, with warnings issued in popular holiday areas including Kuta, Seminyak and Denpasar.

Indonesian authorities confirmed multiple fatalities, while thousands of residents have been displaced or required evacuation. Search and rescue teams have been active in Kuta and other tourist zones, with foreign nationals, including Australians, among those moved from flooded hotels and villas.

At Ngurah Rai International Airport, management has declared the situation a force majeure, a legal term recognising natural disasters as events beyond control. Although flights have continued, the declaration signals the potential for ongoing delays, diversions and cancellations. Access roads to the airport have also been severely congested due to rising water levels, further complicating travel for departing and arriving passengers.

The flooding has disrupted local infrastructure across the island, with electricity cuts, damaged buildings and transport networks struggling to cope. The provincial state of emergency, initially set for two weeks, was revised to one as officials worked to assess the scale of the disaster. Despite the reassessment, authorities are urging vigilance, with the disaster mitigation agency warning of further rain and landslide risks.

Tourists currently on the island are being urged to monitor local updates, stay in contact with their accommodation providers and allow extra time for airport transfers.

Smartraveller has advised Australians to ensure they are registered with the service and to check their travel insurance policies, particularly around natural disaster cover.

While dramatic tales of survival have circulated online, including reports of an Australian woman roused to safety by her dogs before floodwaters engulfed her villa, officials stress that verified information should be sourced through established media and government channels.

Bali remains open to visitors, but the advice from authorities is clear: travel plans may be disrupted, safety should come first, and flexibility is essential until conditions stabilise.