RRI.CO.ID, Badung -The escalating conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran is casting a long shadow over Bali’s tourism recovery. As Middle Eastern airspace remains restricted, Bali has reported a noticeable dip in international arrivals, particularly from transit hubs that typically funnel European travelers to Indonesian shores.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster confirmed that the geopolitical instability has directly thinned out visitor numbers over the past several days. Speaking during a beach cleanup in Jimbaran on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Governor noted that while European travelers are beginning to find workarounds, the immediate impact on Middle Eastern visitors has been significant.

"There has been a decrease in foreign tourist visits over these four days. Approximately 800 people per day specifically from the Middle East," remarked the Governor, as quoted by Antara.

The Governor highlighted a shift in logistics for Western travelers who traditionally rely on Gulf carriers. Because there are few direct flights from Europe to Bali, many tourists use Dubai or Doha as primary transit points.

While Middle Eastern nationals are currently absent, the Governor remains optimistic that European markets will adapt by utilizing alternative Southeast Asian hubs.

"Those from Europe will certainly adjust their departure routes. Those who previously went through Dubai or Doha will shift, perhaps through Singapore or Thailand," he explained.

"Europeans who fly directly to Bali are mainly from Russia. Those traveling through the Middle East cannot go through directly now, and transiting in Dubai or Doha is currently not an option."

The logistical strain is reflected in the latest data from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, which recorded 35 international flight cancellations between February 28 and March 4 due to airspace closures.

Of these, 15 scheduled arrivals to Bali were scrapped, including three Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi, six Emirates flights from Dubai, and six Qatar Airways flights from Doha.

The provincial administration is now closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict to prevent long-term damage to the island's primary economic engine. Governor Koster emphasized that the current daily loss of 800 visitors is a direct result of the escalation but expects the industry to pivot.

"Hopefully, the conflict stops quickly. The impact is a decrease of 800 people a day for now, and later there will surely be a consolidation of route improvements. Hopefully, it can stabilize," concluded the Governor. ***