Flights from Canberra to south-east Asia are set to resume after an Indonesian airline today announced it would run three weekly flights to Bali from June.
Batik Air, part of the Lion Air group, is set to run flights from the capital to Denpasar, Bali from June 14 this year.
They are the second airline to announce international flights out of Canberra since the COVID-19 pandemic, following a decision last year by Fiji Airways to fly direct to Nadi from Canberra.
International flights out of Canberra were halted in 2020 during the pandemic, and cancelled when Singapore Airlines cancelled their route, citing a lack of demand.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the government welcomed the investment from the airline.
"A direct flight between Bali and Canberra will greatly benefit holiday-seekers from Canberra and the region," Mr Barr said.
"The route also presents a great opportunity to connect the Canberra region to south-east Asia for leisure, trade and education.
"The ACT government welcomes Canberra Airport's efforts to make it easier and cheaper to visit Canberra."
Mr Barr has been lobbying airlines to run more flights in and out of Canberra, returning from a trip to the United States talking up more flights.
A joint trade mission to Singapore and India to spruik tourism to Canberra is also on the cards for this year.
Canberra Airport's Head of Aviation, Michael Thomson, said the new route would offer Canberrans an easier opportunity to reach Asia.
"Bali is an amazing destination that blends culture, nature, and adventure and appeals to all types of travellers," Mr Thomson said.
"We are also excited about the opportunity to connect Canberra to Asia through Batik's extensive network."
Batik Air said Canberra would be the airline's sixth destination in Australia.
"We are dedicated to enhance connectivity and making travel more accessible for passengers from Australia and Indonesia, and this new route reaffirms our dedication to that objective," Batik Air's Chandran Rama Muthy said.