The return of international flights at Avalon Airport is a huge step in the right direction for our region.
Avalon offers an international gateway for travellers and freight in and out of our region, and we recognise its significance in putting Geelong on the map globally.
The COVID-19 pandemic decimated international travel at Avalon and, after five years, I’m thrilled to see international flights returning, with Jetstar operating five return flights a week between Avalon and Bali from March 2026.
Domestically, the return of the Avalon to Adelaide service will offer more opportunities for interstate travel, as will the increased service to Brisbane. And last month, FlyPelican commenced operations out of Avalon offering three flights a week to Canberra.
It’s clear Avalon has the potential to significantly expand as an international airport, and increased commercial services out of the airport are certainly a fantastic
milestone.
This growth in flights mirrors the massive expansion in industry at Avalon in recent years.
Already, Avalon is home to Hanwha’s $170 million facility building the next generation of armoured vehicles for the Australian Army.
Avalon’s defence sector capabilities continue to grow. Lockheed Martin recently executed a lease for warehousing space at Avalon Airport to store essential equipment required to support the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO).
Recently, I wrote to Federal Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, to express our staunch support of locating these operations at Avalon Airport, as this has the potential to transform our burgeoning defence advanced manufacturing sector into a centre of national excellence.
All of this, in addition to hosting the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aerospace and defence exposition, the Avalon Australian International Airshow, makes our state’s ‘second airport’ a key priority for future investment.
None of this exciting growth, however, will be viable in the long-term unless we have the right public transport options for commuters and travellers.
We need to invest significantly now rather than later to entice travellers to choose Avalon, and support Avalon’s expanding freight and industrial workforce.
The Victorian government recently pledged to launch a new bus route between Lara Railway Station and Avalon Airport, complementing existing Skybus and MyBus services.
The new Route 18 will be the first public bus service for Avalon and will connect the airport to Lara seven days a week, to make it easier for travellers and workers to get to the airport and employment precinct.
While I welcome this service, it is only a temporary solution.
A train station and rail link at Avalon is vital to support its future growth.
Council has identified this as a long-term priority project, and we will continue to advocate for this on behalf of the community in the lead up to the 2026 state election and beyond.
We are also seeking major upgrades to Beach Road, which links the Princes Freeway with Avalon, to improve freight and passenger movements by road.
And the City of Greater Geelong and Wyndham City councils are jointly advocating for a three-year funding program, to be matched by Avalon Airport, to attract more international airlines.
Jetstar has already flagged the possibility of more international flights as it prepares to reconfigure its fleet of 11 Boeing 787-8s.
This would be fantastic news for travellers both here in Greater Geelong and across the state.
I look forward to seeing further investment into Avalon and ushering in even more international flights and airlines, connecting Geelong to the world.
