Virgin Australia is set to make history in 2026, launching its first‑ever international service from Canberra with new direct flights to Bali starting 22 June 2026. The move will see the airline become the only Australia‑based carrier operating international flights out of the nation’s capital – and the only airline flying the Canberra–Bali route.
Canberra Gets Its First Virgin Australia International Route
From June 2026, Virgin Australia will connect Canberra directly with Denpasar, Bali, adding more than 40,000 seats each year between the ACT and Australia’s favourite overseas holiday hotspot. The route will operate seasonally from April to January with three return services per week, with scope to increase frequencies during peak school holiday and winter escape periods.
Flights are on sale from 10am AEDT with return fares starting from $399 in Economy Lite, $499 in Economy Choice and $1,449 in Business, giving Canberrans a competitively priced, time‑saving alternative to driving to Sydney or connecting via other cities.
Convenient Schedule Designed for Holidaymakers
The new service has been structured around maximising holiday time in both directions. Services will depart Canberra in the afternoon, allowing travellers to work a half‑day or connect seamlessly from regional flights before boarding. Return flights will operate overnight from Bali, giving guests a final full day on the island before arriving back in the capital the following morning.
This schedule is designed to appeal to families, couples and long‑weekend escapees looking to make the most of limited annual leave, while also suiting government and business travellers who need efficient access to Indonesia.
What to Expect Onboard: 737 Comfort and Choice
Virgin Australia will operate Boeing 737‑800 aircraft on the Canberra–Bali route, offering three seating choices: Business, Economy and Economy X. Economy X delivers extra legroom plus priority boarding, giving leisure travellers a more comfortable option on the six‑plus‑hour flight without stepping up to Business.
Onboard, guests can expect Virgin Australia’s relaxed, friendly service, a buy‑on‑board food and beverage offering, and the ability to earn and redeem Velocity Frequent Flyer points and Status Credits on the new route.
A Major Win for Canberra’s Connectivity
This new route is a significant win for the ACT and a major milestone in Virgin Australia’s broader network expansion, marking the first time the airline has operated international flights from the nation’s capital and firmly positioning Canberra as more than just a domestic hub.
Bali remains one of Australia’s most popular overseas holiday destinations, with strong, long-standing demand from Canberra and the surrounding region, and the new flights launch alongside an upgrade of Virgin Australia’s Brisbane–Canberra services from Alliance-operated F100 jets to Virgin’s own 737s, further boosting capacity into the capital.
Part of a Growing Australia–Bali Network
The Canberra–Bali flights will complement Virgin Australia’s existing direct Bali services from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, creating a broader network of options for Australian travellers heading to Indonesia. Same-day domestic connections into and out of Canberra will also make it easier for travellers from other cities to route via the capital if it offers better timings or fares.
With Indonesia now rivalling New Zealand as one of Australia’s top overseas destinations and Virgin Australia already carrying more than half a million guests a year between Australia and Bali, the new Canberra route arrives at a time of record demand. For Canberrans and regional travellers alike, Bali just became a whole lot closer.
