CANBERRA– Virgin Australia (VA) has launched its first-ever international service from Canberra Airport (CBR), marking a significant milestone for the airline and expanding overseas travel options for residents across Australia’s capital region.
The new route links Canberra directly with Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), one of the most popular leisure destinations for Australian travelers.
The inaugural flight departed on June 22, 2026, with Virgin Australia introducing three weekly return services between Canberra and Bali.
The route adds more than 40,000 seats annually and strengthens the carrier’s growing international network while improving connectivity for travelers from regional communities surrounding the Australian Capital Territory, Virgin Australia reported
Canberra Bali Flights Network Expansion
The new service represents Virgin Australia’s first international operation from the nation’s capital and further expands its Bali network.
The airline already operates direct Bali flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, collectively offering more than 500,000 seats to the Indonesian island each year.
The Canberra route creates a new international gateway for travelers across southeastern Australia.
Residents of regional areas including Batemans Bay, Bega, Cooma, Jindabyne, and Merimbula can now access overseas flights through Canberra instead of traveling to larger airports in Sydney or Brisbane.
Virgin Australia executives said the strong customer response before launch demonstrated growing demand for direct international services from Canberra. The airline expects the route to support both outbound leisure travel and inbound tourism to the Australian Capital Territory.
To celebrate the inaugural service, Virgin Australia partnered with FINNS Beach Club in Bali, offering special experiences and promotional benefits for passengers traveling on the first flight.
Route Network Growth and Connectivity
The Bali service forms part of Virgin Australia’s broader strategy to expand international connectivity and strengthen its presence in key leisure markets.
Airline officials described the route as an important addition that increases travel choice while creating more convenient connections for interstate and regional passengers.
Government leaders also welcomed the launch, highlighting the economic and tourism benefits associated with direct international flights. The route is expected to increase visitor arrivals to Canberra while supporting local businesses linked to the visitor economy.
Canberra Airport management described the service as a major achievement for the region’s aviation sector. Airport executives noted that international routes play a critical role in connecting the capital with global destinations and supporting long-term tourism growth.
The launch also reflects the long-standing relationship between Virgin Australia and Canberra Airport, which spans more than two decades.
VA’s Boeing 737 Operations Fleet Details
Virgin Australia will operate the Canberra–Bali route using its Boeing 737-800 fleet. Passengers can choose between Business Class, Economy X extra-legroom seating, and standard Economy Class cabins.
The airline has scheduled three return flights per week and plans to operate the service seasonally. Additional frequencies may be introduced during peak travel periods if passenger demand supports further expansion.
Alongside the route launch, Virgin Australia introduced promotional fares starting from AUD 449 return in Economy Lite. Velocity Frequent Flyer members can also redeem reward seats from 22,500 points one way, plus applicable taxes and charges.
The new international connection establishes Canberra as another key gateway within Virgin Australia’s network and provides travelers with a direct link to one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most sought-after holiday destinations.
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