What is Eid-ul-Fitr and when does it take place in 2026?
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, it is expected to occur on either 20 or 21 March, subject to the sighting of the moon, varying by geographical location. The celebrations bring large-scale public celebrations, mass prayers, family gatherings and increased domestic and international travel, typically coinciding with extended public holidays and heightened movement of people. Transportation disruptions are anticipated in the lead-up to and during Eid, driven by large-scale population movement as individuals travel to their hometowns, a phenomenon widely observed in Indonesia (mudik) and Malaysia (balik kampung). Major cities including Dhaka, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur are expected to witness significant outbound traffic, placing strain on highways, rail networks, airports and ferry services. An elevated security presence is expected across multiple countries, with authorities deploying additional personnel at places of worship, transport hubs, commercial centres and other high-footfall areas.
Which countries in APAC are most affected?
The advisory covers eight APAC countries with significant Muslim populations observing Eid-ul-Fitr. In India, Eid is a gazetted public holiday expected on 20 or 21 March, with traffic restrictions announced in Pimpri-Chinchwad (Chinchwadgaon, 0500–1300 hours on 21 March), Kanpur (Eidgah and Bajaria areas from 0600 hours), Lucknow (Teele Wali Masjid and Bada Imambara areas from 0600 hours), Delhi (Uttam Nagar and Dwarka with over 100 police pickets), Jammu and Kashmir (Hazratbal and Srinagar areas) and Madhubani, Bihar (district control room from 20 March). In Pakistan, Eid is expected to coincide with Pakistan Day on 23 March, creating an extended holiday period from 23–25 March, with Karachi imposing heavy-vehicle restrictions around Tariq Road and Saddar, Lahore preparing road closures, and Murree implementing one-way traffic systems on Mall Road. In Bangladesh, celebrations run from 20–22 March with an NCP-organised Eid procession from the National Eidgah to Shahbagh Mor, and no newspapers published from 20–24 March. In Indonesia, public holidays fall on 20–21 March with collective leave from 18–24 March, overlapping with Nyepi (Day of Silence) in Bali on 19 March when Ngurah Rai International Airport and all seaports close for 24 hours. In Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected on 21 or 22 March, confirmed by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal on the evening of 19 March. In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa falls on 21 March with 23 March observed as a public holiday in lieu. In the Maldives, Eid is officially expected on 20 March with additional holidays on 21–22 March. In the Philippines, Eid is a regular national holiday on 20 March.
What are the anticipated traffic and travel disruptions?
Severe traffic congestion is anticipated on major highways exiting Dhaka, particularly the Dhaka-Tangail-Jamuna Bridge corridor and the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, with bottlenecks at Gobindganj due to ongoing flyover construction. In Indonesia, a one-way traffic flow will remain on major toll segments during peak exodus and return periods, with contraflow lanes on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, restrictions on three-axle trucks until 29 March, and extreme congestion expected at ferry ports including Merak-Bakauheni and Ketapang-Gilimanuk, where queues at Gilimanuk have already stretched over 30 kilometres. In Malaysia, PLUS Malaysia anticipates up to 2.3 million vehicles daily on its network during peak travel, with major congestion at the Jelapang and Menora tunnels near Ipoh, the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban stretch and the Johor Bahru checkpoint approach. Authorities will activate 34 “smart lanes” and enforce a heavy goods vehicle ban on 19–20 and 28–29 March. In Singapore, the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints may experience “continuous heavy traffic” until 22 March, with multi-hour queues for vehicles. In the Philippines, major expressways including NLEX and SLEx are expected to experience heavy traffic volumes, with surges at PITX and Araneta City Bus Port.
What are the security arrangements?
Indonesia has deployed over 185,000 personnel and established approximately 2,750 security and service posts nationwide under Operation Ketupat 2026, with counter-terrorism units on elevated alert and enhanced security at prominent mosques including Istigali Mosque in Jakarta. In Pakistan, Punjab Police has finalised comprehensive security arrangements for Chand Raat and Eid-ul-Fitr, with over 17,000 police personnel deployed at markets on Chand Raat (approximately 5,000 in Lahore alone) and more than 47,000 officers assigned to nearly 29,000 congregation sites for Eid. Specialized units including the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit and Elite Force will conduct regular patrols, with strict prohibitions on one-wheeling, aerial firing and kite flying. In Bangladesh, checkpoints have been established on all roads leading to the Eidgah, with Police, RAB, BGB and Ansar deployed, six watchtowers and four camera-equipped drones monitoring the gathering, and entry managed through three archways fitted with metal detectors. In India, Delhi will deploy a multi-layered security framework with over 100 police pickets, RAF, CRPF and local police, plus rooftop deployments in sensitive areas. In Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police will mount “Ops Selamat” nationwide, with ESSCOM maintaining heightened security in Sabah. In Singapore, the ICA has intensified security checks at all land, sea and air checkpoints since late February 2026 in response to the volatile Middle East situation.
What are the business continuity risks?
Extended public holidays ranging from three to 10 days in some countries may halt most non-essential business and government functions. Organisations should anticipate delays in logistics, financial transactions and administrative processes, with supply chains for non-essential goods facing considerable impact. In Bangladesh, ongoing energy constraints impacted by Middle East developments have contributed to fuel rationing and temporary closures of educational institutions, with multiple flight cancellations during March on routes connecting to the Middle East from Dhaka and Chittagong. In Indonesia, public health authorities have urged accelerated measles immunisation efforts ahead of Eid to mitigate outbreak risks associated with mass population movement. In the Maldives, the tourism-dependent economy remains vulnerable to global travel disruptions, particularly given ongoing Middle East developments. In Singapore, the holiday coincides with March school holidays (13–22 March), further increasing travel volumes. Businesses may face constraints related to workforce availability, delays in administrative processes and interruptions in supply chains, particularly for non-essential goods and services.
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Organisations should verify official public holiday dates across all countries of operation and communicate them clearly to employees, clients and vendors. Anticipate reduced activity or temporary shutdowns, and reschedule non-essential meetings, deliveries and deadlines to avoid the peak holiday period. Coordinate with logistics partners to assess the impact of transport restrictions and potential port closures, pre-position critical inventory and plan for delays during and immediately after the holiday window. Ensure adequate liquidity to meet operational requirements, as banking and financial services may be unavailable for several days. Circulate a comprehensive travel and safety briefing outlining key risks and recommended precautions, maintain updated emergency contact lists and establish a clear communication protocol to account for employees during any incident. For offices or facilities closed during the holiday, conduct a thorough security check, ensure all entry points are locked, alarm systems are active and surveillance systems are fully operational. For sites in higher-risk or sensitive areas, maintain coordination with local law enforcement. Individuals should plan travel outside the two days immediately before and after Eid, secure all transport tickets and accommodation well in advance, identify backup travel routes, remain abreast of delays by doubling or tripling estimated travel time, and arrive at least four to five hours before international departures and three hours before domestic flights. Maintain awareness in crowded areas, keep personal belongings secure, monitor local news and official advisories, and prepare a travel kit with water, snacks, basic first-aid supplies and necessary medications.
Frequently asked questions
When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in APAC?
Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 is expected on 20 or 21 March, subject to moon sighting. Indonesia observes public holidays on 20–21 March with collective leave from 18–24 March; Malaysia expects Hari Raya Aidilfitri on 21 or 22 March; Singapore observes Hari Raya Puasa on 21 March; and the Philippines declares Eid a regular national holiday on 20 March.
Are there traffic restrictions during Eid-ul-Fitr 2026?
Yes. Heavy-vehicle bans, road closures and traffic diversions are in effect across multiple countries, including India (Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir), Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Murree), Indonesia (Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, Merak-Bakauheni, Ketapang-Gilimanuk), Malaysia (North-South Expressway, Johor Bahru checkpoint) and Singapore (Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints).
What are the emergency contact numbers for APAC countries?
India: ERSS 112, Police 100, Ambulance 102, Fire 101. Pakistan: 15 or 1122 (Police 15, Medical 115 or 1122, Civil Defence/Fire 16). Bangladesh: 999 for all services, Police Headquarters Control Room 01320001300, Highway Police 01320182598. Indonesia: 112 (Police 110, Ambulance 118 or 119, Fire 113 or 1131). Malaysia: 999 or 112 (Police 321 159 999, Medical 999 or 991, Fire 999/994). Singapore: Traffic Police 6547 0000, Police 999, Non-Emergency 1777, SCDF Ambulance/Fire 995. Philippines: 911 (Medical 1555, NCR Fire (02) 426-0219).
Download the full advisory now
datasurfr’s Special Advisory on Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 in APAC carries the complete country-by-country traffic restriction maps, the full regulatory guidelines, and a detailed contacts directory. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and continuity teams.
Filed under: EMEAThreat Intelligence Advisories
