Quick Read
- Jetstar will resume international flights from Avalon Airport to Bali starting March 23, 2026.
- Avalon Airport will receive major upgrades, including new seats, improved lighting, and expanded parking.
- Jetstar is also increasing domestic flights to Adelaide and Brisbane.
- A new public bus route will connect Lara Station to Avalon Airport for easier access.
- Limited-time sale fares are available on all Avalon routes, with Bali flights from $199.
Jetstar’s Big Return: Avalon Airport to Bali and Beyond
After six years of silence on the international front, Avalon Airport is set to buzz with new energy. Jetstar, Australia’s low-cost carrier, will once again launch international flights from this strategically positioned hub between Melbourne and Geelong. Starting March 23, 2026, Avalon will connect travelers directly to the sandy beaches of Bali (Denpasar)—a move that marks a significant chapter for both the airport and the region’s travel industry.
Why Avalon? A Strategic Move with Major Upgrades
For years, Avalon has played second fiddle to Melbourne’s larger Tullamarine Airport. But its location—just outside Geelong and near the city’s western suburbs—makes it a convenient alternative, especially as international travel rebounds. Jetstar’s decision to restart flights here is more than just a return to business; it’s a vote of confidence in Avalon’s potential.
Preparing for this relaunch, Avalon Airport is undergoing extensive upgrades. Travelers can expect 1,000 new seats across both international and domestic terminals, modernized runway lighting, improved security equipment, and an additional 500 car park spaces. These changes aren’t just cosmetic. They’re designed to handle the surge in passengers, with Jetstar’s Bali service alone adding over 120,000 seats per year.
Expanding Horizons: Domestic Routes and Public Transport
Jetstar isn’t stopping at international flights. The airline will restart its domestic route to Adelaide and ramp up frequency to Brisbane, with up to seven return flights to Adelaide and five extra weekly flights to Brisbane. This means Avalon will be more connected than ever—opening up travel options for holidaymakers and business travelers alike.
Accessibility is also getting a boost. For the first time, Avalon will have a dedicated public bus service. Route 18, running daily between Lara Station and the airport, will make it easier for passengers to reach flights without relying on private cars or taxis. This is a practical step that reflects Avalon’s growth from a regional outpost to a more integrated transport hub.
Sale Fares: Jetstar Celebrates with Limited-Time Deals
To mark this milestone, Jetstar has rolled out sale fares on all routes from Avalon Airport. Travelers have until 12pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 12, to snag discounted tickets—unless they sell out sooner. Bali (Denpasar) fares start at $199, while domestic routes like Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and Gold Coast are priced as low as $29. These prices are likely to attract not just holidaymakers, but also those who’ve been waiting for affordable flights after years of disruption.
For many, these deals represent more than just savings. They’re a signal that the region is reopening, that long-delayed adventures and family reunions are finally within reach. As Jetstar puts it, this isn’t just about flying—it’s about restoring connections and possibilities.
Six Years in the Making: Avalon’s Pandemic Pause Ends
The last international flight departed Avalon in 2020, as the pandemic forced borders shut and grounded planes worldwide. For local businesses, airport staff, and frequent flyers, the hiatus has been a period of uncertainty. Now, with Jetstar’s announcement, there’s a sense of renewal. The airport’s investment in upgrades, coupled with new flight options, signals a return not just to normalcy but to growth.
Industry observers note that Avalon’s revival could shift the travel landscape in Victoria. With more choices for departure points and competitive fares, travelers may find Avalon’s smaller crowds and easier access a compelling alternative to the city’s main airport.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For residents of Melbourne’s west and Geelong, the relaunch offers a new gateway to international destinations. Bali remains a favorite for Australians—whether for surfing, family holidays, or simply escaping the winter. The six-hour flight means a direct path from Avalon’s check-in to Denpasar’s beaches.
Domestic travelers, meanwhile, benefit from increased options and flexibility. More flights to Adelaide and Brisbane could mean better deals, less crowded terminals, and the convenience of staying closer to home.
Jetstar’s investment in Avalon also suggests a broader trend: regional airports are stepping up to meet post-pandemic demand, challenging the dominance of big city hubs. It’s a dynamic that could reshape travel in Australia, giving more people more choices—and better experiences.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Avalon and Jetstar
The return of international flights from Avalon Airport is more than a scheduling update. It’s a milestone for Victoria’s travel scene, a sign of recovery, and a promise of new adventures. With modernized terminals, enhanced transport links, and sale fares to celebrate, Jetstar and Avalon are inviting travelers to rediscover what’s possible.
As the countdown to March 2026 begins, the message is clear: Avalon is open for business, and Jetstar is ready to take off.
Jetstar’s decision to relaunch international flights from Avalon reflects both the resilience of Australia’s aviation sector and the growing importance of regional hubs. The scale of upgrades and the focus on accessibility position Avalon to serve a broader range of travelers, while competitive sale fares underscore the renewed commitment to affordability and choice. This move not only marks recovery from the pandemic’s impact, but also signals a shift in how and where Australians fly.