Qantas has resumed its non-stop flights between Melbourne and Delhi, reconnecting Australia and India ahead of the 2025–26 summer travel season. The airline will operate three return flights a week until 28 March 2026, offering more than 30,000 seats across the period.
The flights, operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft featuring 26 Business Class suites and 208 Economy seats, restore one of Qantas’ busiest post-pandemic routes, providing a direct link between two fast-growing aviation markets.
The airline temporarily suspended the Melbourne–Delhi service from early June this year, citing “current fleet and operational requirements” as the primary reason.
A strong season for demand
The revival of the Melbourne–Delhi route aligns with the growing travel demand between Australia and India. Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the airline was pleased to reinstate the connection, supporting both the Victorian visitor economy and broader trade ties.
“We’re delighted to bring back our nonstop link between Melbourne and Delhi, just in time for the busy travel season,” he said.
“These flights will be great for the Victorian visitor economy and are perfectly timed for travellers heading to major events,” he said.
Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, said direct services between Melbourne and Delhi will “deliver increased opportunities for trade, investment and tourism between Australia and one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.”
He added that “more flights between Australia and India create more competition, driving down the cost for travellers, helping Australian businesses and creating Australian jobs.”
Strengthening ties beyond tourism
The Melbourne–Delhi link plays a vital role in connecting two major economic and cultural hubs. Since it first launched in 2021, the route has helped grow business travel, trade and education links, while serving Australia’s expanding Indian diaspora.
For travel agents, the renewed service provides more flexibility when booking itineraries across India’s growing network of destinations. The nonstop connection means shorter travel times and smoother access to Delhi, India’s primary gateway city.
It also supports inbound tourism, making it easier for Indian travellers to visit Melbourne and regional Victoria. The timing coincides with a busy events calendar and high demand across leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) segments.
Connecting with a wider India network
Alongside the seasonal Melbourne–Delhi service, Qantas operates nonstop Sydney–Bengaluru flights and continues to expand access through its partnership with IndiGo. This partnership allows travellers to connect seamlessly through Singapore to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, as well as 14 regional Indian cities.
For agents, this means they can package Australia–India itineraries that combine Qantas’s long-haul comfort with IndiGo’s extensive domestic reach. The growing partnership also reinforces Qantas’s commitment to expanding its presence in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.
Key flight details
- Season: 27 October 2025 – 28 March 2026
- Frequency: Three return services per week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday)
- Aircraft: Airbus A330-200 (26 Business, 208 Economy)
- Schedule: QF69 departs Melbourne 0920 / arrives Delhi 1645; QF70 departs Delhi 1845 / arrives Melbourne 1240 +1
All international Qantas fares include checked baggage, meals, beverages and inflight entertainment. Flights are available via qantas.com and through travel agents.
What it means for the trade
India remains one of Australia’s fastest-growing aviation and tourism markets. According to Tourism Research Australia, India is on track to become one of Australia’s top five inbound visitor markets within the next decade, driven by strong VFR, education and business travel demand.
The return of Qantas’s direct Melbourne–Delhi flights strengthens connectivity for both inbound and outbound travellers, giving Australian agents a key product to sell during peak travel months. It also complements growing student mobility between the two countries, adding value to educational and relocation travel sectors.
With Qantas’s continued investment in its A330 fleet and customer experience upgrades, agents can also highlight the refreshed onboard offering, including lie-flat Business seats, Wi-Fi connectivity and improved cabin comfort.
Industry response
According to Qantas, the trade response to the route’s return has been positive, with strong early bookings and feedback from travel partners. The airline said agents had shown keen interest in promoting the reinstated service, particularly for travellers seeking direct connectivity between Australia and India.
Qantas noted that increased air capacity between the two countries reflects a broader trend of rising travel demand and deeper trade ties. The airline said the seasonal service plays a key role in its international recovery strategy and reinforces its network strength across Asia.
KARRYON UNPACKS: The Melbourne–Delhi route’s return highlights India’s growing importance to Australian aviation. For agents, it’s a clear win — more seats to sell and smoother itineraries across Qantas’s expanding India network.
