Indonesian carrier TransNusa begins daily direct service between Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and Melbourne from 19 October 2026, operating Airbus A320 aircraft through to at least 21 March 2027.
What’s new
TransNusa, a Jakarta-based low-cost carrier, adds Melbourne as its second Australian destination after Sydney, making it the first Indonesian budget airline to serve Melbourne directly. The route covers the roughly 6,200 km crossing in around six hours and operates daily in both directions throughout the Northern winter season.
The A320 configuration seats around 180 passengers in an all-economy layout. TransNusa has been expanding its international network aggressively through 2026, adding routes to Bangkok, Phuket, and Kuala Lumpur over the past two months.
Why this matters for travellers
Until now, Australian travellers flying Bali from Melbourne had two main options: Jetstar and Virgin Australia, with occasional Qantas services. A third carrier on the route creates competitive pressure on fares during a peak period for Bali bookings; the October-to-March window coincides with Australia’s summer holidays and Bali’s dry season shoulder months.
Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and consistently among the top sources of Bali visitors. The new service departs from Tullamarine (Melbourne Airport), adding frequency to a route that regularly sells out around Christmas and January.
Practical notes
TransNusa flies under the code “8B” and tickets are bookable through its own website and major booking platforms. Checked baggage is not included in base fares; travellers should factor in luggage fees when comparing prices against Jetstar’s low-cost Bali service from Western Sydney (which begins in March 2027) and Virgin’s existing Melbourne-Bali flights.
On the Bali side, the airline uses Ngurah Rai’s international terminal. For getting between the airport and Bali’s main areas, our Bali airport transfer guide covers taxi, ride-app, and pre-booked shuttle options with current fare ranges.
If you’re combining Bali with other parts of Indonesia, getting around Bali has transport options across the island, and our flights to Indonesia guide covers current international connections from Australia, the UK, Europe, and Asia.
Context: October routes
October has been a busy month for new Indonesia international routes. The same week sees Batik Air launch Subang-Bali (20 October) and Garuda reactivate Bali-Sorong for the Raja Ampat diving season. Explore Bali for what to plan when you arrive.