The inaugural AirAsia Bali-Melbourne flight touched down at Melbourne Airport on 21 March 2026, signalling a new low-cost link as Bali remains Victoria’s number one international destination with 1.04 million passengers flying between the two cities in 2025.
Operated by Indonesia AirAsia on an Airbus A380 aircraft, the daily service between Melbourne and Bali (Denpasar) will add more than 130,000 extra seats annually.
It’s the third direct AirAsia service launched between Australia and Bali, joining Perth and Adelaide, which recently increased flight frequency due to demand, and facilitated by the low-cost carrier’s exit from Darwin in April.
Indonesia AirAsia General Manager Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman said the AirAsia Bali-Melbourne flight launch reflects strong demand for Bali and the airline’s commitment to Australia.
“Bali continues to be the most popular international holiday destination for Australians, and we’re excited to give Victorians another great value option when planning their next escape,” he said.
“This new service supports AirAsia’s goal to make travel more accessible for Australians who wish to experience Bali, while also discovering the many remarkable destinations across the wider Indonesian archipelago.”
The AirAsia network offers connectivity from Bali to more than 150 destinations across Asia, and, from 26 June 2026, to the UK via the new Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick route.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said passenger numbers between Melbourne and Bali have increased by more than 13 per cent year on year, highlighting Victorians’ interest in the popular destination.
“Bali is the destination of choice for Victorians, but there’s more to Indonesia than just Bali and AirAsia’s extensive network will allow travellers to explore beyond Bali,” he said.
“The beauty of Bali lies in the fact it’s a six-hour flight from Melbourne that often costs less to get to than domestic destinations such as Perth, making it a really attractive offering for budget-conscious travellers and families.
“We’re seeing the benefits of more competition in these international markets flowing through to travellers in the way of cheaper airfares and more choice, which is a great outcome for everyone.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: The AirAsia Melbourne-Bali flight launch intensifies competition on a popular holiday destination route, giving advisors sharper pricing and broader Asia connectivity while reinforcing Bali’s role as both a destination and regional gateway.
