An alleged assault in a departure lounge restaurant has resulted in the detention of an Australian man, highlighting tensions that can flare among travelers in transit.
DENPASAR, Bali — An Australian national, identified by police with the initials PDH, has been arrested at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport following a reported physical altercation with a British traveler. The incident occurred late on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the TRS restaurant within the international departure terminal.
According to Ipda I Gede Suka Artana, Head of Public Relations for the I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Police Precinct, the dispute erupted around 11:30 PM local time. The British citizen, MW, was waiting for his flight when PDH allegedly approached him.
“The reported person has been secured and is currently undergoing detention for the purpose of further investigation,” stated Suka Artana on Tuesday, January 20.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Police reports detail that PDH is accused of pushing MW against a wall, demanding he remove his glasses, and then striking the back of MW’s head with a closed fist. The blow reportedly caused dizziness and disrupted MW’s activities. While the precise motive remains under investigation, authorities suspect the confrontation stemmed from a personal grievance between the two men.
Following the incident, investigators examined the victim, witnesses, and the suspect. They also processed the scene, reviewed CCTV footage, and secured travel documents as evidence.
PDH has been formally detained at the Airport Police detention facility. His detention period is set for 20 days, from January 20, 2026, to facilitate the ongoing inquiry.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how high tensions and stressful travel environments can sometimes lead to volatile situations, even in the controlled space of an international airport.
Hey Bali News reports on incidents within the local community and at key transit hubs, providing factual accounts of events that may affect travelers.