TransNusa Launches Direct Flights Between Bali

TransNusa now flies direct between Melbourne and Bali on a 174-seat Airbus A320, with Basic fares from AUD 299 (IDR 3.399.000) and a new 20-seat Premium Plus cabin. Here are the flight times, fares, baggage rules and what to check before you book.

Melbourne to Bali just got one more option. Indonesian airline TransNusa has started direct flights between Melbourne and I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, adding a new carrier to one of Bali’s busiest international routes. The first flight, 8B018, left Bali at 20.33 on 19/10/2026 with 139 passengers on board, and the first return flight from Melbourne touched down in Bali at 10.10 the next morning with 86.

The schedule

The route is flown with a 174-seat Airbus A320. The published timetable is an evening departure from Bali and an early-morning departure from Melbourne, which means you land in Bali before lunch.

Bali to Melbourne: 8B018

Departs Bali 20.45 (WITA), arrives Melbourne 05.40 the next morning (local time).

Melbourne to Bali: 8B019

Departs Melbourne 06.25 (local time), arrives Bali 09.40 (WITA).

One thing to check before you book: the sources do not agree on how often the flight runs. TransNusa’s launch announcement, carried by ANTARA, says daily from 19/10/2026. A report citing Melbourne Airport says the route starts at four flights a week and goes daily from 16/11/2026. The airline’s booking page will show the days that are actually on sale.

Melbourne skyline seen from Hawthorn, Victoria — Melbourne’s skyline from Hawthorn. The new flight leaves Melbourne at 06.25. Photo: Peter Withiel / Pexels

Fares and cabins

Tickets went on sale on 15/09/2026. Introductory one-way Basic fares start from AUD 299 (IDR 3.399.000). The route also debuts Premium Plus, a new cabin for TransNusa with only 20 seats per flight, offering priority services and extra baggage, from IDR 9.099.000. The airline pitches it as more comfort without paying business-class prices.

“A major step in TransNusa’s international expansion strategy.”

Datuk Bernard Francis, Group CEO, TransNusa (translated)

Before you fly

Book on transnusa.co.id or through authorised booking platforms.
Cabin bags: two pieces with a total of 7 kg, each within 56 x 36 x 23 cm.
TransNusa’s website says meals and drinks are not free on board, so check what your fare includes.
The introductory fare end date has not been published, and Premium Plus has only 20 seats per flight.

Why it matters for Bali

View of an airplane wing above the clouds through a cabin window — Photo: Brady Knoll / Pexels

Australia’s favourite island

Australians are Bali’s biggest international market. By the end of September 2026 they made up about 25% of international arrivals, around 1.3 million visitors, according to Indonesia Expat.

Airport general manager Nugroho Jati said Melbourne “consistently ranks among the top five international routes” at Ngurah Rai. TransNusa now joins Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air Malaysia, Qantas and Indonesia AirAsia on the route.

Founded in 2005, TransNusa stopped flying in 2020 during the pandemic and returned under new ownership in 2022 as a self-styled premium service carrier. Melbourne follows its Perth to Bali service.

Landing soon? Start with our guide to where to stay in Bali, then see what is on this week and the latest Hot Deals.

Good to Know

Scheduled times: flight 8B018 departs Bali 20.45 and arrives Melbourne 05.40 the next morning; flight 8B019 departs Melbourne 06.25 and arrives Bali 09.40 (Bali time, WITA).

Basic fares from AUD 299 (IDR 3.399.000) are introductory. Check baggage conditions and fare rules before you book.

One outlet reported four flights a week at launch, rising to daily from 16/11/2026, while Indonesian sources say daily from 19/10/2026. Check the current schedule with the airline.