Istanbul, Helsinki: 8 dream destinations getting Australian flights this year

Forget the long layovers and terminal treks of the past: 2026 is officially the year the world gets a whole lot smaller for Australian travellers.

Whether you're chasing a Finnish sauna or a Balinese sunset, these eight new routes are set to redefine your travel map.

Turkish Airlines is set to launch non-stop 17-hour flights between Sydney and Istanbul in late 2026. The airline entered the Australian market in 2024 with one-stop services via Kuala Lumpur, but the new route will become the first direct air link between Australia and Europe.

Istanbul is the perfect blend of ancient history and modern nightlife, home to icons such as the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus dinner cruise, which sails between Europe and Asia. turkishairlines.com

Launching in October 2026, this is Finnair's debut in Australia with daily flights from Melbourne to Helsinki via Bangkok using Airbus A350 aircraft.

In Helsinki, a 15-minute ferry ride takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, while highlights in the city include the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and the Allas Pool for an essential Finnish sauna-and-sea experience. finnair.com

Direct flights to mainland China will return to South Australia in mid-2026, with China Eastern Airlines operating three services a week.

Shanghai offers some of Asia's most striking city sights, from its iconic skyline walk along the Bund to the historic Yu Garden and Old City, with the Shanghai Museum a must-visit for first-time travellers. ceair.com

In August 2026, Jetstar will launch Australia's first budget-friendly direct flights to Colombo, flying three times a week.

Sri Lanka's capital offers a rich cultural mix of temples, mosques and colonial landmarks, with the buzz of Pettah Market and the National Museum. At sunset you can unwind along Galle Face Green with local street food and ocean views. jetstar.com/au/

The nation's capital will get its first international flight operated by Virgin Australia in 2026. The new direct route will operate three return flights per week to Bali, at first seasonally from April to January.

Indonesia is Australia's most popular destination for outbound travel, blending beach life and culture with temples and rice terraces around Ubud. virginaustralia.com/au

Qantas will fly Sydney to Apia via Auckland three times a week from mid 2026.

Visitors to Samoa can experience traditional village life alongside snorkelling, hiking and seasonal whale watching. qantas.com

Starting May 18, 2026, the first-ever direct flight from Australia to Male, the capital of Maldives, will take off. But there's a significant catch: these flights - operated by Maldivian (the Maldives national carrier) - are only available to Luxury Escapes customers who book one of their flight and hotel bundles.

The Maldives is the ultimate bucket list destination notable for Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, located 5 metres under the sea and Hanifaru Bay if you love marine life. maldivian.aero