Virgin Australia announced it will launch its first-ever international service from Canberra when direct flights to Bali begin on June 22, 2026. The new route marks a significant expansion of connectivity for Australia’s capital territory.
The airline will operate three weekly return flights on the route using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, adding more than 40,000 seats annually between Canberra and one of Australia’s most popular vacation destinations. Virgin Australia will be the only Australian-based carrier operating international flights from Canberra and the sole airline on this specific route.
Flights went on sale on January 27, 2026, with the service scheduled to run seasonally from April 2026 through January 2027 to align with peak travel demand. The airline said it may increase frequency during busy periods.
“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,” Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said in a statement.
Tapping into Indonesia’s growing popularity
Virgin Australia said the flight schedule has been structured with traveler convenience in mind. Services will depart Canberra in the afternoon and return overnight from Bali, allowing passengers to maximize their time at both ends of the trip.
The route complements Virgin Australia’s existing Bali network, which includes direct services from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Same-day connections from these cities to Canberra will provide additional options for travelers looking to reach Bali from other parts of Australia.
Indonesia has recently overtaken New Zealand as one of Australia’s most popular international destinations. Virgin Australia carried more than half a million passengers between Australia and Bali last year, and demand continues to grow.
“As we continue to grow our network, we’re focused on offering greater choice and seamless connectivity for our guests,” Emerson said.
Broader capacity increases
The Bali launch coincides with Virgin Australia increasing capacity into Canberra by upgrading aircraft on the Brisbane-Canberra route. The airline is replacing smaller Fokker100 aircraft operated by Alliance Airlines with its own B737s on that domestic service.
Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport, welcomed the international expansion.
“Bali is one of Australia’s most popular international holiday destinations, and we know this service will be warmly welcomed by travelers across the region,” Byron said. “We’re delighted to be expanding our network with Virgin Australia and introducing Virgin Australia’s first international service from Canberra, with hopes that this marks the start of further international growth.”
The 737-800 aircraft will offer three cabin classes: Business, Economy, and Economy X, the carrier’s extra-legroom seating option that includes pre-boarding privileges.
The new route represents Virgin Australia’s continued network expansion as the airline rebuilds its international footprint following years of pandemic-related disruptions that reshaped the Australian aviation market.