Melbourne Airport continues to rack up the good news stories, with the exciting announcement of British Airways’ return to Australia. Connecting London Heathrow to Melbourne from January 2027, the new daily service signals the increased demand between the Garden State and the Big Smoke, after a 20-year hiatus.
After celebrating 90 years of flying between the UK and Australia last year, it’s only fitting that British Airways has taken the cue to return to Melbourne, ushering in the return of its LHR-MEL service.
An extension of the UK flag carrier’s London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur flights, from January, your clients will enjoy a same-plane service with a short layover in the Malaysian capital.
Departing daily from Melbourne in the evening, the new BA34 service will touch down at Heathrow in the morning, meaning your clients won’t miss a moment of touring London’s famous attractions, with the whole day ahead of them.
The BA33 LHR-MEL service has similar timings, touching down in Melbourne for a shot of the city’s famous pick-me-up coffee.
Alongside the increased choice and flexibility the new route brings, the ease of flying on the same plane for the entire trip will appeal to Australians who feel anxious about connecting flights during long-haul travel.
Why fly with British Airways?
British Airways has been flying customers to wherever they need to be for more than 100 years. The return to Melbourne is part of the flagship carrier’s wider expansion and long-haul growth strategy.
While the airline may have the DNA of British traditions, British Airways is on a mission to evolve how they fly. They recently committed to a staggering $14 billion (£7 billion) investment in new fuel-efficient planes, improved automation, and leading-edge tech to upgrade the customer service experience.
With Melbourne Airport’s $4.5 billion face lift it’s no wonder, British Airways choose the Victorian capital as part of its expansion.
Flying to around 200 destinations in more than 75 countries, it’s not only flights to London that Australians can enjoy, but connections across Europe and further afield.
The new service enhances connectivity for Australians travelling to Europe, whether it’s a jaunt around the Mediterranean, a bucket list adventure to see the Northern Lights, or a family-focused visit.
Onboard with British Airways
The London to Melbourne service will be aboard the Dreamliner B787-9 aircraft, featuring First, Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and World Traveller (economy) class cabins.
You can expect the ‘Best of British’ with British Airways’ service, of course – the nation is famous for its polite and proper culture – but did you know the carrier’s inflight menu has a Best of British focus, too?
Premium ingredients from local producers – think Loch Fyne salmon, Herefordshire beef, and Somerset cider dishes – are thoughtfully paired with beverage options, including wines chosen by their full-time Master of Wine.
Ask anyone who’s headed to the UK, and you’ll know they always need additional luggage for the flight home. Whether it’s a stash of Jaffa Cakes, fashion items from Oxford Street, or the ‘gifts’ everyone in your family insistsyou bring back, British Airways’ 23kg checked luggage and two free carry-ons will mean you don’t have to leave behind a thing.
Travellers in First and Club have a 32kg checked luggage allowance.
On any long-haul leg, in-flight entertainment is as high a priority as the seat pitch and width. Passengers enjoy over 560 movies (including the latest blockbusters), 100 TV boxsets, 700 audio tracks, and a dedicated Paramount+ Kids channel.
Currently rolling out across the entire fleet, Starlink will provide streaming-quality internet access for every passenger. In the meantime, if connectivity is key, your clients can sign up for the Club, British Airways’ free-to-join membership programme for complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi messaging.
For parents, BA’s dedicated family check-in zone at Heathrow Terminal 5 is the stress-free airport reality they’ve been hankering for. It accompanies British Airways’ commitment to seating families together for free.
Discover more
London Heathrow to Melbourne tickets are on sale now, with flights commencing 11 January 2027. With the Asia routing, tickets will sell fast, so now’s the time to promote the route and all that Australians know and love about the UK and Europe.
For booking support, contact the trade support team on 1300 134 001 or visit the Travel Partner Connect website. Find the latest news here.
This article is brought to you by Melbourne Airport and British Airways.
