BADUNG, Bali — Bali’s gateway to the world has grown by two more routes, with direct flights now connecting the island to Avalon and the Sunshine Coast in Australia—a move that officials say will strengthen tourism ties and expand travel options for visitors from both countries.
The first flight from Sunshine Coast (MCY) touched down at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Wednesday, carrying 229 passengers. Two days earlier, the Avalon (AVV) route resumed operations, with a Jetstar flight arriving from the Victorian city before departing later that evening with 222 travelers on board.
“We greatly appreciate the return of the Avalon route and the launch of the Sunshine Coast route, the newest addition to Ngurah Rai Airport,” said Nugroho Jati, the airport’s general manager. “This is proof that Bali remains a premier destination for international travelers, especially from Australia.”
New Routes, New Connections
The Avalon route will operate five times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays—while Sunshine Coast flights are scheduled three times weekly, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The additions bring the total number of direct air links between Bali and Australia to 11, joining established routes from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Darwin, Cairns, and Newcastle.
For Australian travelers, the new connections offer more options for reaching Bali without the need to connect through larger hubs like Melbourne or Sydney. For Indonesian travelers, they provide direct access to two of Australia’s emerging regional destinations—Avalon, located southwest of Melbourne, and the Sunshine Coast, a stretch of beaches and hinterland north of Brisbane.
Australia: Bali’s Largest Source Market
Australia remains Bali’s most important international market. In the first two months of 2026 alone, more than 240,000 Australian visitors arrived on the island. For all of 2025, Australian travelers accounted for 1.6 million arrivals—more than any other country.
The strong numbers reflect not only proximity but also a long history of travel between the two destinations, supported by frequent flights and a tourism industry geared toward Australian preferences.
“With the opening of direct routes to Avalon and Sunshine Coast, travelers from Indonesia who wish to visit Australia now have even more options, and the same applies in reverse,” Nugroho said.
A Strategic Move for Tourism Recovery
The expansion of Australian routes comes at a moment when Bali is working to solidify its tourism recovery. While the island’s visitor numbers have rebounded strongly since the pandemic, maintaining growth requires sustained connectivity—and Australia is central to that equation.
The new routes also reflect a broader trend: Bali is not only deepening ties with its largest source market but also reaching into secondary cities and regional hubs that can feed a steady stream of visitors outside peak seasons.
For the Sunshine Coast, the connection to Bali represents its first direct international link in several years—a milestone for a region that has long sought to expand its aviation network.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers planning trips between Bali and Australia, the new routes offer:
- More flexibility. With 11 direct connections, travelers can choose departure points that suit their location in Australia, whether they are in a major city or a regional hub.
- Avoiding connections. Direct flights from Avalon and Sunshine Coast eliminate the need to transit through Melbourne or Brisbane for travelers in those areas.
- Balanced tourism flows. By opening routes to regional Australian cities, Bali can attract visitors who might otherwise choose other destinations due to travel complexity.
A Growing Network
Bali’s airport has steadily expanded its international reach in recent years, adding routes to India, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. But Australia remains the anchor market, and the addition of Avalon and Sunshine Coast signals that the island sees its southern neighbor as a cornerstone of its aviation strategy.
As Nugroho put it, connectivity is not just about moving people—it is about strengthening economic ties, supporting tourism businesses, and ensuring that Bali remains as accessible as it is desirable.
Hey Bali News tip: With the new routes now operational, travelers from Avalon and Sunshine Coast can book direct flights to Bali without the need to connect through larger Australian cities. For those planning trips, booking well in advance during peak seasons is still recommended, as demand for Australian routes remains consistently high.