Avalon Airport Is Relaunching International Flights For The First Time In Six Years

23rd Mar 2026

Written by: Donna Demaio

The first international flight in six years takes off from Melbourne's Avalon Airport today, following a massive $32 million upgrade.

A direct Jetstar flight to Denpasar, Bali, it’s a significant milestone for the airport’s international terminal as it also marks Jetstar's first ever direct flight from Avalon to Bali.

Melbourne Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss says “This moment signals Avalon’s next phase as a growing aviation and economic gateway for the region.”

What Does This Mean For International Travellers?

From 30 March, Jetstar’s Airbus A321LR will operate five return flights between Avalon and Bali each week—that’s around 120 thousand seats each year.

“Bali has always captured the hearts of Australians and now it’s more accessible than ever,” says Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully.

Avalon Airport Upgrades

It's not just the return of flights bringing Avalon's international terminal back to life—it's also had a serious facelift. Comfort and space is the goal, and a sleek blue and soft grey hued fit-out with custom built furniture and cosy, quiet pods deliver.

There’s a Kids Zone to welcome little legs needing a run around before boarding, a new eatery and bar for pre-flight feeds and a duty-free hub for obligatory discount shopping. Advanced border security tech has also been installed.

For anxious flyers there’s even a gentle, friendly one-year-old emotional support chocolate labrador. Twix is a specially trained support and empathy dog, available to anyone feeling even a little nervy at the airport.

Image: Avalon Airport | Supplied

Overall, Avalon Airport has undergone a whopping $32 million revamp, including upgrades to the international terminal, roadways, parking and runways.

Additional Domestic Flights

Domestically, Jetstar is adding up to seven return direct flights between Avalon Airport and Adelaide each week. That’s more than 109,000 extra seats per year.

Brissie is also getting more flights, with around 107,000 extra seats travelling to the Sunshine state.

Getting To Avalon Airport

A new airport bus link has been introduced between Lara Station and Avalon Airport. Route 18 runs 21 services on weekdays and 20 on the weekends. The timetable is well thought out—the bus arrives around 75 to 120 minutes before departure and around 30 minutes after arriving flights. Very handy.

If you’re driving, there are now 500 extra car parks for a fresh total of 1800 spaces, with 30 minutes free parking.

Jetstar's 48-Hour Sale

To celebrate the launch of the new route, Jetstar is running a 48-hour sale that ends midday March 25^th, unless sold out prior. There’s Avalon to Denpasar, Bali from $195 one way, as well as trips to Adelaide from $43 and to Brisbane from $86.

“The return of international flights to Avalon strengthens Victoria’s position as the only state with two curfew-free international airports,” Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks says.

“More flights mean more visitors, more trade and more jobs.”

For more information, head to the Avalon Airport website here.

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