International Flights to Bali Expand as Canberra-Denpasar Route Opens on 22 June

The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) has added new international flight routes to Bali from Australia, Vietnam, and India to boost foreign tourist arrivals from Asian and Australian markets amid concerns that Middle East conflicts may impact the tourism sector. New routes include Sunshine Coast-Bali and Melbourne Avalon-Bali operated by Jetstar since March 2026. Virgin Australia will launch direct Canberra-Bali flights from 22 June 2026. From Southeast Asia, Indonesia AirAsia has operated Bali-Da Nang flights since 20 March 2026, while IndiGo has expanded its connectivity to Bali via Mumbai-Denpasar, complementing its existing Bengaluru-Bali service.

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated the government is strengthening promotion efforts towards potential markets in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and India as a precaution against Middle East conflicts affecting European and Middle Eastern tourist movements.

‘We are working hard to open new routes in collaboration with airlines, the Ministry of Transportation, and other ministries to devise incentives for lowering ticket prices,’ Widiyanti said during the opening of the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2026 at The Nusa Dua on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

I Putu Winastra, Chair of ASITA Bali, said that improved connectivity presents broader opportunities for Bali’s tourism ecosystem.

‘Every new route to Bali brings more than just passengers. It opens market access, drives demand for hotels, restaurant spending, transport, creative economy opportunities, and wider exposure for communities and destinations across Bali. Our task is to maintain product quality and tourist experiences to turn this access into high-quality, sustainable transactions,’ he added.

Winastra noted that the development of connectivity underscores the importance of strategic market analysis. Australia remains Bali’s primary market, while India, Europe, Southeast Asia, and other Asian markets are priorities to be strengthened through appropriate products, relevant narratives, and partnerships that meet current tourist needs.