Virgin Australia Launches First Ever International Service from Canberra with New Direct Flights to Bali

Starting June 22, 2026, Virgin Australia will operate the first-ever international flights from Canberra with new direct service to Bali.

Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 - Courtesy Virgin Australia

On Wednesday (January 28, 2026), Virgin Australia announced that they will add over 40,000 seats each year between Canberra and Bali, Australia’s most popular international holiday destination, starting June 22, 2026.  The new route will operate three times weekly, complementing existing service to Bali from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  The route will be operated with a Boeing 737-800 featuring three seating options, including Business, Economy and Economy X, the airline’s extra legroom seating which provides guests with an enhanced level of comfort and pre-boarding perks.  The new service coincides with the airline boosting capacity into Canberra this week, through upsizing the aircraft on the Brisbane-Canberra route from a Fokker F100 aircraft operated by Alliance Airlines, to 737s operated by Virgin Australia.

In Wednesday’s announcement, Virgin Australia’s CEO, Dave Emerson, said,

“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 will be the only Australia-based airline operating internationally out of Canberra, and the only carrier on this new route.  As we continue to grow our network, we’re focused on offering greater choice and seamless connectivity for our guests.

“Indonesia has now overtaken New Zealand as one of Australia’s most popular international travel destinations.  Last year, we carried more than half a million guests between Australia and Bali, and it’s great to see demand for the destination continue to grow.”

Also commenting on the new Bali service, Canberra Airport’s CEO, Stephen Byron, added,

“Bali is one of Australia’s most popular international holiday destinations, and we know this service will be warmly welcomed by travellers across the region.  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 with Virgin Australia.”

Founded in 2000, Virgin Australia employs more than 8,000 team members and operates an extensive domestic network as well as short-haul international services, charter and cargo operations.  In 2020, Virgin Australia relaunched as a value carrier and set out on a multi-year transformation.  This has seen the airline grow their fleet, hire thousands of new team members, invest in significant customer initiatives including first-to-market technology, and return to profitability for the first time in more than a decade.  Virgin Australia is part of the Virgin Group.  Established in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Group has become one of the most highly respected global brand names of the 21st century.

Source: Virgin Australia