AirAsia Indonesia will open a Bali–Melbourne direct flight on 20 March 2026, marking its first international route of the year and a key step in expanding its Asia–Australia connectivity.
The airline confirmed that the new service will run daily and link two of the region’s busiest airports, Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar and Melbourne Airport (MEL).
Acting President Director of Indonesia AirAsia, Captain Achmad Sadikin Abdurachman, said the route answers growing demand between Indonesia and Australia.
“Melbourne is one of the most popular destinations for Indonesian tourists and students. This route demonstrates our commitment to providing broader and more affordable connectivity,” he said.
He added that the launch supports wider economic, cultural, and business exchange. “As our first international route in the first half of 2026, this initiative strengthens social and economic ties between the two countries and opens more opportunities for collaboration,” he said.
The new service is also expected to make it easier for travellers to explore “unique cross-cultural experiences in both destinations”.
This new connection places Melbourne as the fourth Australian city served by Indonesia AirAsia, following Perth, Darwin, and Adelaide. With its position as a major hub, Melbourne offers strong access to domestic destinations across Victoria and the wider region, while Denpasar remains one of the busiest gateways for visitors exploring Indonesia.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne welcomed the move. Consul General Yohannes Jatmiko Heru Prasetyo said the direct route supports the broader Indonesia–Australia strategic partnership. He noted that the improved air link could encourage cooperation across several sectors, including tourism and education.
AirAsia expects the new route to serve both leisure and business travellers. Direct flights between Denpasar and Melbourne are likely to appeal to Australians looking for easier access to Bali and onward Indonesian cities.
Through Denpasar, passengers can continue to Jakarta, Balikpapan, Banjarmasin, and Labuan Bajo. The latter remains the main gateway to Komodo National Park, attracting travellers seeking nature and adventure.
The airline will also offer its Fly-Thru service, which allows passengers to transit through selected AirAsia hubs without reclaiming baggage. This service connects travellers to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phuket, and Singapore, enhancing regional mobility for those planning multi-city trips.
Recent tourism data highlights Australia’s strong presence in Bali. According to BPS, Indonesia recorded 1.3 million foreign arrivals in September 2025, an annual increase of 9.04 per cent.
More than 160,000 of these were Australian visitors. In July 2025, Bali saw 697,000 direct foreign arrivals, with Australia contributing around 23%. From January to July 2025, nearly one million Australians visited Bali, reinforcing Australia as the island’s largest international market.
The new Bali–Melbourne service aims to support this continued growth. With stable demand from tourists, students, and business travellers, the route is expected to become one of AirAsia Indonesia’s strongest links in the region.
Melbourne Connection Strengthens Indonesia–Australia Travel Flow
AirAsia Indonesia’s expansion signals broader ambitions to widen its international network while keeping routes accessible. The focus remains on strengthening ties with key markets, and Australia remains at the top of that list.
For Indonesian travellers, Melbourne offers a blend of urban culture, higher education opportunities, and links to regional Victoria. For Australians, the direct flight offers a seamless option to reach Bali and explore more of Indonesia beyond the usual tourist trail.
With daily flights set to begin in March 2026, AirAsia Indonesia positions itself to capture both returning visitors and first-time travellers. The airline expects the route to support long-term tourism recovery and provide more consistent travel options throughout the year.
