Air India, will launch its first-ever non-stop flights to Melbourne, Australia from Mumbai as part of its growing global route network. Commencing December 15, 2023, Air India will operate this route three times a week, establishing itself as the exclusive non-stop operator between Mumbai and Australia.
The commencement of Mumbai-Melbourne services is set to introduce nearly 40,000 new seats annually into the Australian state of Victoria, where the Indian community comprises approximately 40% of the total Indian diaspora in Australia, estimated at over 200,000. This strategic move is intended to meet the rising demand for travel, including visits to friends and family, and to serve the burgeoning needs of business and leisure travelers to the region.
Mr. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer at Air India, expressed his enthusiasm. He said, “We are eagerly looking forward to launching the first non-stop flight connecting Mumbai and Melbourne. This marks a significant step in our ongoing transformation program, which includes the expansion of India’s global connectivity through non-stop flights. We are proud to present the evolving Air India flying experience to travelers on this route, where the essence of Indian hospitality will remain at its core.”
Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs and Industry, Victoria State Government, Australia, commented on the new development, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome the first direct flights from Mumbai to Australia, arriving in Melbourne. This new route is poised to boost tourism, generate local employment, and create fresh opportunities for Victorian businesses to access one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.”
Travelers from 17 major Indian cities will have the convenience of one-stop connections to and from Melbourne via Delhi or Mumbai. Furthermore, this new route will facilitate seamless two-way connectivity between London Heathrow and Melbourne, with transits in Delhi and Mumbai.
The flights on the Mumbai-Melbourne route will be serviced by Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, offering 18 flatbed seats in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy. The outbound flight AI310 from Mumbai to Melbourne is scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Departing Mumbai at 0050 Hrs, it will arrive in Melbourne at 1810 Hrs. The return flight AI311 will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Taking off from Melbourne at 2000 Hrs, it is expected to land in Mumbai at 0235 Hrs the next day.
All-inclusive, round-trip promotional fares in Economy start at INR 48,999 and are currently available for purchase on Air India’s official website (www.airindia.com), its mobile app, and through travel agents worldwide. Air India is already operating daily flights to Melbourne and Sydney from its hub in Delhi, ensuring 28 weekly connections between India and Australia.
Cover photo: Melbourne, Australia by night photo by Hai Linh Truong
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