Victoria’s second international airport is set for a major lift, with the Allan Labor Government backing the return of international Jetstar services to Avalon and a suite of upgrades designed to strengthen the region’s aviation and visitor economy.
Premier Jacinta Allan joined key ministers, Melbourne Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss and Jetstar executives to confirm that international flights from Avalon to Bali will resume from March, alongside the restart of the domestic Adelaide route and extra services to Brisbane.
Allan said the move signalled a turning point for the region. “Now arriving: more flights for Avalon and more jobs for Geelong,” she said, adding that the expansion underscored the airport’s growing importance as a gateway for both visitors and workers.
Jetstar Chief Executive Stephanie Tully said the airline’s renewed investment will open doors for travellers across Victoria. She noted that the additional services would “see thousands more customers fly through Melbourne’s second airport gateway, supporting the economic growth of Melbourne, Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Peninsula.”
Avalon Airport CEO Ari Suss said the long-running relationship between the airport and the airline was entering a promising new chapter. “The Avalon–Jetstar partnership is now into its 22nd year, and this renewed partnership across domestic and international services will deliver more frequency, better connections and the ability for people between Melbourne and Geelong to start their journey closer to home,” he said.
The expansion will add up to 320,000 new low-fare seats each year, including 120,000 seats on the new Bali service alone, operating five return flights a week. To accommodate the influx, the airport will undergo significant upgrades—1,000 new terminal seats, improved runway lighting, additional security and CCTV infrastructure, expanded water connections to the control tower and 500 extra parking spaces.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks said the improvements were part of a broader effort to boost local employment. “These new flights and services are a major boost for jobs and will give people easier access to the airport,” he said. The upgrades are expected to create more than 80 jobs, on top of the roles generated by increased tourism and aviation activity.
Public transport links will also improve, with the Government introducing Route 18—a new daily bus service connecting Lara Station to Avalon Airport. Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams said the route would “deliver better public transport options for Avalon and ensure improved access for thousands of workers and passengers every day.”
Members for Lara, Geelong and Bellarine welcomed the transport and aviation enhancements, noting the flow-on effects for local businesses and communities. Christine Couzens said the changes meant “more jobs, more flights, more people and more money in the local economy,” while Alison Marchant added that the increased accessibility would help drive more visitors to the Bellarine.
The announcement builds on the recent opening of a freight processing facility at the precinct, supporting hundreds of jobs in logistics and distribution. Victoria’s aviation sector contributed $23 billion in economic activity and supported more than 138,000 full-time equivalent jobs in 2022–23.
With Jetstar headquartered in Victoria since 2004 and employing more than 3,000 people statewide, the strengthened Avalon network cements the airport’s role in supporting tourism, freight, international education and trade.
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