Australia’s international flight map is getting an upgrade in 2026 – with brand-new nonstop routes, long-awaited returns, and seasonal services timed for peak travel periods.
Whether you’re planning a winter escape or looking for faster, more affordable ways to reach Europe and Asia, these exciting new flight routes from Australia are set to make overseas travel smoother (and cheaper) for you. Here’s a roundup of some of the most notable international flight routes set to launch in 2026!
A quick summary: upcoming new international flight routes from Australia
| Route | Launch timing (2026) | Estimated flight duration | Airline(s) |
| Gold Coast → Auckland | June | ~3 hours | Qantas |
| Brisbane → Queenstown | June – October | ~3 hours | Air New Zealand |
| Melbourne → Bali | March | ~6 hours | Jetstar, AirAsia |
| Mebourne → Helsinki | October | ~22 – 24 hours total | Finnair |
| Gold Coast → Nadi | June | ~3 hours | Fiji Airways |
| Melbourne → Colombo | August | ~10 hours | Jetstar |
| Adelaide → Shanghai | June – August | ~10 hours | China Eastern Airlines |
| Canberra → Bali | June | ~6 hours | Virgin Australia |
| Melbourne → Male | May | ~10 hours | Luxury Escapes (charter) |
| Sydney → Sapporo | Increased frequencies in Dec – Jan 2027 | ~10 hours | Qantas |
Note: Flight routes, schedules and frequencies are subject to change; always refer to official airline websites for the latest information.
What we know so far about the upcoming new flight routes
1. Gold Coast → Auckland (direct)
No more transit headaches in Brisbane – this one’s for the ones in Gold Coast! Qantas is finally bringing international flights back to the Gold Coast, with three weekly nonstop services to Auckland launching in June 2026.
2. Brisbane → Queenstown (direct)
Just in time for the ski season, Air New Zealand will also be kicking off a fresh nonstop seasonal service in June 2026 – connecting Brisbane to Queenstown three times weekly. This route will be running from June – October, perfectly timed for winter sports lovers.
3. Melbourne → Bali (direct)
More Bali options are on the way. Both Jetstar and AirAsia have announced new routes Melbourne-Bali routes, with Jetstar flying from Avalon (AVV) and AirAsia from Melbourne Airport (MEL). With competitive fares expected, this route also opens up easy onward connections across exciting Southeast Asia destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and more.
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4. Melbourne → Helsinki (via Bangkok)
Here’s a route launching later of the year. Finnair announced that they will be introducing daily flights between Melbourne and Helsinki (Finland), from October 2026. This new route offers a smoother getaway into Northern and Eastern Europe.
5. Gold Coast → Fiji (direct)
Sunseekers, add this to your notes. Fiji Airways is set to commence their direct Gold Coast-Nadi flight route from June 2026. Expect three weekly flights between the two sunny destinations – you’ll be flying in the morning and touching down in just over three hours. 🌞
6. Melbourne → Colombo (direct)
Looking to explore an underrated destination in the new year? This one’s one to watch. Jetstar will be launching a non-stop flight service between Melbourne and Colombo from August 2026, making Sri Lanka more accessible for australian travellers.
7. Adelaide → Shanghai (direct)
After a long hiatus, China Eastern Airline will resume flights between Adelaide and Shanghai again from June to August 2026. It’s a timely option for escaping the Australian winter and exploring one of China’s more vibrant, dynamic cities.
8. Canberra → Bali (direct)
Canberra residents, you’ll soon be able to fly direct to Bali with Virgin Australia’s new direct route, launching June 2026 with three weekly services. No more detour through Sydney or Melbourne for your tropical getaway.
9. Melbourne → Maldives (charter package)
Luxury travellers, this one’s for you. Luxury Escapes will introduce a direct Melbourne-Malé charter service from May 2026. Operated on a Maldivian Airlines aircraft, the light will be available exclusively as part of a Luxury Escapes package.
10. Sydney → Sapporo (expanded schedule)
After launching in December 2025, Qantas’s 10-hour Sydney-Sapporo flight has proven hugely popular amongst Australians. For the upcoming winter season (mid-December to late January), services will increase from three to five flights per week. Time to look forward to sliding down the slopes of Hokkaido’s ski resorts this year end.
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