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Consider this your official excuse to book a trip! Airlines are kicking off the year with a stack of new international flight routes from Australia, making it easier than ever to get to some of the world’s most popular destinations. From time-saving direct connections to the Maldives and Manila to Australia’s first budget-friendly flights to Sri Lanka, here are all the new routes you can book right now (or soon).
Sydney to Istanbul
After launching its Sydney to Istanbul route in 2024, Turkish Airlines has stepped things up with new daily flights between the two cities via Kuala Lumpur. Even more exciting, the airline plans to introduce nonstop services between the two from late 2026, which would make it one of the longest nonstop flight routes between Australia and Europe.
Darwin to Lombok
Indonesian airline TransNusa is planning to launch a new direct route between Darwin and Lombok in late February or early March. If confirmed, it will be the only direct passenger service between Australia and the popular Indonesian island.
Melbourne (Avalon) to Denpasar (Bali)
Jetstar is making it easier to visit Australia’s favourite overseas holiday destination, with new direct flights between Melbourne Avalon and Denpasar launching in March. The return trip will operate five times per week, offering a particularly convenient option for travellers from Geelong, the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.
Melbourne to the Maldives
Popular travel brand Luxury Escapes is helping launch Australia’s first-ever direct flight from Melbourne to Malé – officially putting one of the world’s most dreamy destinations, the Maldives, within easy reach. Previously, travellers faced at least one international stopover – usually Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo or Dubai – with journeys stretching 15 to 20-plus hours. The new direct Melbourne-Malé route changes that completely, offering a direct overnight from Tullamarine to Velana International Airport, commencing on May 18.
Adelaide to Shanghai
After a six-year hiatus, China Eastern Airlines will resume direct flights between Adelaide and Shanghai. The seasonal service will operate three times a week from June 21, restoring South Australia’s direct air link to mainland China.
Canberra to Denpasar (Bali)
Australia’s capital is officially going international. From June 22, Canberra will score its first-ever overseas flight route, with direct services to Bali (Denpasar). The route will operate three return flights weekly during the peak travel period from April to January.
Brisbane to Queenstown
Just in time for the ski season, Air New Zealand is launching a brand-new direct route between Queenstown and Brisbane. It will operate three times a week from June 22 through to October 23. Jetstar will also launch a seasonal direct service on the same route from June to October 2026.
Gold Coast to Auckland
Qantas is bringing international flying back to the Gold Coast with a direct route to Auckland launching in June. It’s been five years since the Flying Kangaroo last operated this route, which will run three times weekly.
Sydney to Samoa
From mid-2026, Qantas will launch flights from Sydney to Apia (Samoa) via Auckland. The new route will operate three times a week on alternate days to the airline’s direct Brisbane to Apia service.
Melbourne to Sri Lanka
Jetstar is launching Australia’s first budget-friendly flights to Sri Lanka in August 2026. The airline will fly three times a week between Melbourne and the South Asian nation’s capital, Colombo, offering more than 100,000 low-fare seats annually.
Melbourne to Helsinki
European airline Finnair has announced it will launch daily return services from Melbourne to Helsinki, starting in October 2026. The service includes a stop in Bangkok and will add a huge 203,000 extra seats each year between Victoria and Europe.
The Travelling Kangaroo: Sydney to London
For the first time since the 1940s, Australia’s iconic Kangaroo Route has been revived. Captain’s Choice has recreated the legendary Sydney to London journey, following an almost identical path to the original 1947 Qantas service, with stops including Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Rome and Toulouse. The 14-day trip commenced on February 3, with just 26 business class seats and 134 economy spots.
Brisbane to Cebu
Australia’s only nonstop service to Cebu took off from Brisbane in December 2025. The seasonal route operates three times a week and will run until May 16, 2026, connecting Queensland directly to one of the Philippines’ most popular tropical destinations.
Melbourne to Doha
Just before Christmas, Virgin Australia launched its first daily flight between Melbourne and Doha. Operated in partnership with Qatar Airways, the route makes Melbourne the fourth Australian city to score daily flights to the Middle Eastern capital.
Perth to Manila
Jetstar launched its first direct flight from Perth to Manila late last year. Running three times a week, the route offers a faster and more affordable option for Perth’s large Filipino community, as well as holidaymakers heading to the Philippines.