- Published:
- Monday 23 March 2026 at 3:00 pm
International flights return to Avalon Airport today boosting Victoria’s southwest, regional tourism and jobs.
Jetstar’s inaugural Avalon to Bali service will take off this afternoon.
It will initially operate five return flights a week, adding over 120,000 seats annually, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.
The flights restore Avalon’s status as an international gateway and expand travel options for Victorians.
They will also help to attract more international visitors to the region.
Jetstar has also restarted its domestic route to Adelaide and increased flights to Brisbane, boosting local tourism.
Avalon Airport has undergone major upgrades including 1,000 new terminal seats, enhanced security, and modernised domestic and international terminals.
Access for Victorian travellers is also improving, with 500 additional car parks and a new Route 18 bus service now connecting the airport to Lara Station, seven days a week.
Victoria has proudly been the home of Jetstar since it was established in 2004 and is the airline’s largest operational base, employing more than 3,000 people across the state.
As Victoria’s second 24-hour curfew free international gateway, Melbourne Avalon Airport plays a vital role in maintaining a competitive and diverse aviation network.
The increased flights follow the recent opening of a new freight processing facility at the Avalon precinct.
It’s capable of handling up to ten times as much cargo and creating hundreds of flow-on jobs across freight, warehousing and distribution.
Labor has invested more than $47 billion in rural and regional Victoria, supporting economic growth and making Victoria a better place to live, work and stay.
Quote attributable to Minister for Industry and Manufacturing Colin Brooks
“The return of international flights to Avalon strengthens Victoria’s position as the only state with two curfew-free international airports and reinforces our standing as a key hub for aviation, tourism and freight.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“This will mean more travel, more trade and more jobs – benefiting our local region and our economy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“More flights mean more visitors – delivering real economic benefits for Geelong, the Great Ocean Road region and communities right across southwest Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“This will be a huge boost for our local community – creating new job opportunities, strengthening connections and making it easier for people in Lara and across the region to travel and welcome visitors from around the world.”
Quotes attributable to Stephanie Tully, Chief Executive Officer Jetstar
“This is Jetstar at its best, giving passengers more every day low fares, more choice, more seats and more ways that make travel possible for more Australians.
“Adding 330,000 seats a year out of Melbourne Avalon gives the region great value flights and with Bali now on the map, there has never been a better time to fly from Melbourne’s west.
“Bali has always captured the hearts of Australians and now it’s more accessible than ever for the Geelong region and beyond and we thank Avalon Airport for their support.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Avalon Airport CEO, Ari Suss
“Today’s reopening of Avalon’s international passenger operations is about much more than just a flight to Bali. Backed by strong partnerships and investment and over 100 new jobs, this moment signals Avalon’s next phase as a growing aviation and economic gateway for the region.”