Jetstar Airways is set to dramatically expand its operations from Melbourne Avalon Airport, unveiling a new international route to Bali and increased domestic services that together will add more than 330,000 seats annually. The move represents the low-cost carrier’s most ambitious growth program from Avalon to date and marks a milestone for the airport’s evolving role in Victoria’s aviation network.
The new international service from Avalon to Denpasar, Bali, will be Jetstar’s first overseas route from the airport, offering travelers from Melbourne’s western corridor, Geelong, the Surf Coast, and the Bellarine Peninsula a direct and convenient gateway to one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. The route, scheduled to commence on March 23, 2026, will operate five return flights per week using Jetstar’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, delivering more than 120,000 new seats annually between Melbourne and Bali.
Jetstar is also reinstating flights between Avalon and Adelaide beginning March 26, 2026. The revival of this route restores an important link between Victoria and South Australia, which had previously been dormant, and will add approximately 109,000 seats per year. In addition, the airline will increase its Brisbane service by as many as five extra weekly return flights, translating to roughly 107,000 more seats annually.
Together, the expanded network represents a 330,000-seat annual capacity boost for Avalon, which serves as a crucial hub for residents in Melbourne’s west and surrounding regions. The expansion underscores Jetstar’s strategy to diversify its operational bases and strengthen connections between key domestic and leisure markets.
To mark the launch, Jetstar is offering a 48-hour sale with one-way domestic fares starting from AUD $29 and international fares to Bali from AUD $199. The promotion covers flights from Melbourne Avalon to Brisbane, Sydney, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Bali. The airline expects the additional capacity to stimulate both outbound leisure travel and inbound tourism, driving economic activity for Victoria’s west and Geelong regions.
The announcement comes as Avalon Airport undertakes significant infrastructure investments to accommodate future growth. Approximately AUD $23 million is being invested in terminal upgrades, including expanded seating areas, upgraded security lanes, additional parking, and improved public-transport links. A new Route 18 bus will provide daily service to Lara Station, enhancing connectivity between Avalon and the regional rail network.
These upgrades are designed to support the influx of international passengers expected with the Bali launch and to strengthen Avalon’s position as a viable alternative gateway to Melbourne. For Jetstar, the move is part of a broader strategy to extend its reach beyond traditional hubs and capitalize on growing demand from the western and regional catchments of Victoria.
For Avalon Airport, the new Bali route marks a significant evolution—transforming the facility from a primarily domestic airport into an emerging international player in the low-cost travel segment. Airport operators anticipate that the additional services will not only increase passenger traffic but also create local employment opportunities and stimulate growth in surrounding service industries.
Regional tourism bodies and local governments are expected to welcome the development, which aligns with broader economic initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and accessibility across Victoria. Increased access to Bali, Adelaide, and Brisbane from Avalon is expected to generate tourism inflows and expand options for both leisure and business travelers.
By expanding its Avalon operations, Jetstar is positioning itself to meet rising demand for affordable travel while contributing to regional development. The move reinforces the carrier’s commitment to its low-fare model and its role in driving tourism growth across Australia.
In total, Jetstar’s new Avalon flight network—anchored by the debut of the Bali route and enhanced domestic links to Adelaide and Brisbane—adds more than 330,000 seats per year. The expansion strengthens Avalon’s market position, enhances travel options for Victoria’s west, and sets a new benchmark for low-cost carrier network development in the region.
With its latest investment, Jetstar signals a confident bet on Avalon’s future as a strategic aviation hub—one poised to serve as a gateway for both domestic travelers and international holidaymakers heading to one of Asia’s most popular destinations.
