Virgin Australia Launches First International Service from Canberra, with Direct Flights to Bali Starting June 2026

Canberra, Australia, January 30, 2026 – For years, residents of Australia’s capital have often had to trek to larger cities for international flights. That’s about to change.

Virgin Australia today announced the launch of its first-ever international route out of Canberra, with direct flights to Bali commencing from June 22, 2026.

This is a significant milestone, positioning Virgin Australia as the only Australia-based airline operating internationally out of Canberra and the sole carrier on this new, highly anticipated route.

The new service will operate three return flights per week from April to January, with the potential for increased frequency during peak travel periods. This seasonal approach is designed to align with market demand, maximizing convenience for travelers.

Flights will depart Canberra in the afternoon and return overnight from Bali, a schedule tailored for holidaymakers. The airline estimates it will add more than 40,000 seats each year between the nation’s capital and Australia’s most popular international holiday destination.

Dave Emerson, Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer, hailed the new service as a “significant win for the ACT, strengthening the territory’s international connectivity.” He proudly noted that this marks “the first time in the history of the company that we will operate internationally from the capital.”

This move also complements Virgin Australia’s existing direct services between Bali and Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, offering increased connectivity across Australia.

Virgin Australia will deploy its Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route, featuring three seating options: Business, Economy, and Economy X – the airline’s extra legroom seating, which includes pre-boarding perks. This ensures a comfortable journey, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure.

Canberra Airport CEO, Stephen Byron, echoed the excitement, calling the launch a “significant milestone for Canberra Airport.” He emphasized that Bali’s popularity in Australia made this service particularly welcome.

Indeed, Indonesia has overtaken New Zealand as one of Australia’s most popular international travel destinations, with Virgin Australia alone carrying over half a million guests between Australia and Bali last year.

This strategic expansion coincides with Virgin Australia boosting capacity into Canberra this week, upsizing its aircraft on the Brisbane-Canberra route from F100s (operated by Alliance Airlines) to 737s.

This integrated approach not only provides the capital with its first direct international link to Bali but also solidifies Virgin Australia’s broader network growth.

The new flights are on sale today, with return fares starting from $399 in Economy Lite, offering an attractive price point for eager travelers.

Is this the start of a new era for Canberra’s international travel, or simply a well-timed, seasonal offering? Either way, for Canberra residents, Bali just got a whole lot closer.