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First Bali link: Jetstar launches maiden international flights from Avalon

Jetstar will launch its first international flights from Melbourne Avalon Airport in March 2026, introducing a new Bali connection while also reinstating domestic services to Adelaide. The airline will also increase flights to Brisbane, marking its largest capacity boost at Avalon since its operations began there in 2004.

Jetstar will launch its first international flights from Melbourne Avalon Airport in March 2026, introducing a new Bali connection while also reinstating domestic services to Adelaide. The airline will also increase flights to Brisbane, marking its largest capacity boost at Avalon since its operations began there in 2004.

The expansion adds more than 330,000 low-fare seats each year, strengthening Avalon’s position as Victoria’s second airport and a growing hub for regional travellers. This growth also ties into Jetstar’s broader Bali strategy, with a new Sunshine Coast–Denpasar service launching in March 2026 and recent additions from Newcastle and the Gold Coast lifting the carrier’s Australia–Bali network to ten direct routes.

Avalon’s next phase: international lift-off

The Avalon–Bali flights will run five times weekly using Jetstar’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, adding more than 120,000 seats a year, subject to government and regulatory approval.

Avalon will also see the return of daily return flights to Adelaide from 26 March 2026, offering around 109,000 seats annually. Up to five additional weekly flights to Brisbane will add another 107,000 seats a year.

Together, these new and reinstated routes represent Jetstar’s most significant capacity growth at Avalon in more than two decades.

Jetstar’s Airbus A321LR aircraft will operate the new Avalon–Bali route from March 2026.
Jetstar’s Airbus A321LR aircraft will operate the new Avalon–Bali route from March 2026.

More access for Geelong and regional travellers

Located between Melbourne and Geelong, Avalon Airport offers easier access for travellers from Victoria’s southwest, including the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

The direct six-hour Avalon–Bali service gives these communities their first international link from Avalon, connecting regional Victoria with one of Jetstar’s most in-demand leisure destinations.

State investment backs growing gateway

To support the expansion, the Victorian Government will introduce a new Route 18 bus service between Avalon Airport and Lara Station. Operating daily, the route will improve access for passengers and airport workers, complementing existing Skybus and MyBus options.

The new service forms part of wider plans to enhance connectivity to the Avalon employment precinct and strengthen transport links across the region.

Jetstar doubles down on Avalon partnership

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the expansion underlines the airline’s long-term commitment to Avalon and regional Victoria.

“This is a massive step forward for Jetstar at Melbourne Avalon Airport,” Tully said. “We’re launching two new routes and adding more seat capacity than ever before. Whether it’s a family holiday in Bali or a weekend in Adelaide or Brisbane, these services give Victorians even more options to take off more, for less.”

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully says the Avalon expansion will create more affordable travel options and support regional economic growth.
Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully says the Avalon expansion will create more affordable travel options and support regional economic growth.

Tully said the investment would support regional tourism and create new opportunities for economic growth in Geelong and surrounding areas.

Airport leaders welcome renewed momentum

Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss said the new services mark a milestone in the airport’s 22-year partnership with Jetstar.

“The Avalon–Jetstar partnership is now into its 22nd year, and this renewed partnership in both domestic and international services will deliver more frequency and better connections,” Suss said. “It means people between Melbourne and Geelong can start their journey closer to home.”

Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said the return of Avalon–Adelaide flights will strengthen ties between two key state markets.

“We are incredibly grateful for Jetstar’s investment in this increased connectivity between Victorian and South Australian communities,” Cox said. “It supports strong two-way demand for tourism, events, family connections and business travel.”

Low-fare sale to stimulate early bookings

To celebrate the announcement, Jetstar has launched a 48-hour sale across all Avalon routes. Domestic fares start from $29 one way and Bali fares from $199 one way, excluding checked baggage. The sale runs until 12.00pm AEDT Wednesday, 12 November 2025, unless sold out.

Avalon’s growing role in Victoria’s aviation network

Since Jetstar began operating from Avalon in 2004, the airport has developed into a key aviation and logistics hub serving both regional and metropolitan Victoria.

With international flights launching in 2026 and improved public transport access on the way, Avalon is set to grow as a dual domestic and international base supporting passenger and freight activity.