Virgin Australia Launches International Flights from Canberra to Bali
Virgin Australia is set to introduce its inaugural international service from Canberra, launching direct flights to Bali on June 22, 2026. This new route is a major enhancement in connectivity for the capital territory of Australia.
The airline will offer three weekly return flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, increasing the annual seat availability between Canberra and this popular holiday destination by over 40,000. Notably, Virgin Australia will be the only Australian carrier providing international flights from Canberra and the exclusive airline for this specific route.
Flights became available for purchase on January 27, 2026, with plans for the service to operate seasonally from April 2026 to January 2027, aligning with peak travel times. The airline may consider increasing flight frequency during busy season periods.
Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson remarked, “This is the first time in the history of the company that we will operate internationally from the capital, marking an important milestone in our broader network expansion story.”
Tapping into Indonesia’s Growing Popularity
The flight schedule has been crafted for traveler convenience. Departures from Canberra will take place in the afternoon, with overnight returns from Bali, enabling travelers to make the most of their time at both locations.
This new route complements Virgin Australia’s existing flights to Bali, which already include direct connections from major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Passengers will have additional travel options to reach Bali from other regions in Australia.
Indonesia has recently surpassed New Zealand as a top international destination for Australians. Last year, Virgin Australia transported over half a million passengers between Australia and Bali, indicating a growing demand for this popular route.
“As we continue to grow our network, we’re focused on offering greater choice and seamless connectivity for our guests,” said Emerson.
Broader Capacity Increases
The Bali service launch coincides with Virgin Australia’s efforts to boost capacity into Canberra. The airline is upgrading its aircraft on the Brisbane-Canberra route, replacing the smaller Fokker 100 aircraft operated by Alliance Airlines with its own Boeing 737s.
Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport, expressed enthusiasm for this international growth. “Bali is one of Australia’s most sought-after international holiday spots, and we believe this service will be warmly embraced by travelers across the region,” Byron noted. He added that the partnership with Virgin Australia marks a hopeful start to further international service developments.
The 737-800 aircraft will feature three cabin classes: Business, Economy, and Economy X, which offers extra legroom seating and pre-boarding privileges.
This new direct route signifies Virgin Australia’s ongoing efforts to expand its network as the airline rebuilds its international presence following the disruptions caused by the pandemic, which significantly altered the Australian aviation landscape.
Are you excited about the new route to Bali from Canberra?
