Stallone Tjia
Oct 22, 2026
Travelling between Bali and Melbourne just got easier. Indonesian airline TransNusa has officially launched its new direct route connecting I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali with Melbourne, Australia. The inaugural flight took off on Monday, 19 October 2026, offering travellers another convenient option between the two popular destinations, with one-way fares starting from approximately IDR 4.69 million.
The first flight, operating under flight number 8B018, departed Bali at 8.33 pm local time with 139 passengers on board. Meanwhile, the return flight from Melbourne, numbered 8B019, arrived in Bali on Tuesday, 20 October, at 10.10 am, carrying 86 passengers.
The new service initially operates four times a week using an Airbus A320, with plans to increase to daily flights from mid-November 2026. The route is designed to accommodate both leisure and business travellers, offering overnight departures from Bali and early morning flights from Melbourne.
Strengthening Bali's connection with Australia
The launch marks another milestone in TransNusa's international expansion, making Melbourne its fifth international destination served from Bali, following Perth, Singapore, Guangzhou, and Phuket.
The addition also brings more competition to the Bali–Melbourne route, which is served by several established airlines, including Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Garuda Indonesia, Qantas, Batik Air Malaysia, and Indonesia AirAsia.
Australia continues to dominate Bali's international tourism market. By the end of September 2026, approximately 1.3 million Australian tourists had visited the island, accounting for around 25 percent of all international arrivals. Melbourne also ranks among Bali's busiest international air routes, highlighting the strong travel demand between the two destinations.
Beyond connecting Bali and Melbourne, TransNusa aims to position Bali as a gateway to other destinations across Indonesia and Asia. Through its Beyond Bali network, travellers can explore destinations such as Lombok, Wakatobi, Manado, and Bima, as well as international cities including Singapore, Guangzhou, and Phuket.
With more flight options and competitive fares, the new route is expected to further strengthen tourism ties between Bali and Australia while providing greater flexibility for travellers planning their next overseas getaway.
Tickets are available through the official TransNusa website and authorised booking platforms. Fares are subject to availability and travel dates.
