By aviation writer Scott Mayman

Canberra is getting a new direct international flight — with Bali back on the departure board.

Canberra Airport has confirmed Virgin Australia will launch its first international service from the national capital from June 22, flying direct to the holiday hotspot.

Airport boss Stephen Byron says the Bali announcement comes just a week after Jetstar revealed plans to boost its Canberra-Brisbane service by rolling out bigger aircraft.

The Virgin route adds to a short list of international connections from Canberra, with Qatar Airways and Fiji Airways currently the only carriers offering direct overseas flights.

But not every airline has stuck around.

In 2024, Batik Air “temporarily” pulled the pin on its Canberra international service – and there’s still no word on when, or if, it will return.

Canberra Airport has also been pushing for a direct Tasman route, with Air New Zealand previously lobbied to consider flights across the ditch.

For now though, Bali-bound Canberrans won’t need a Sydney stopover – and that’s a win for travellers keen to take off straight from home.