Want to explore more of South America? LATAM Airlines will more than double its non-stop flights between Australia and Santiago (Chile) from late 2025, significantly expanding options for Aussie travellers heading to South America.
From November 2025, Sydney will see its Santiago flights increase from three times a week to daily services. Melbourne will follow in December 2025, also moving to daily flights, marking the first time the city has enjoyed non-stop connections every day to South America in its 55-year history.
Flights will operate on Boeing 787-9 and 787-8 Dreamliners, featuring business and economy cabins with large auto-dimming windows and mood lighting, among other features.
On sale now, the extra capacity will run until March 2026, coinciding with the region’s peak travel season.
South surging
LATAM’s expansion reflects growing demand from both Aussie leisure and corporate travellers.
According to the airline, recent industry data shows a 12 per cent rise in Australian bookings to South America since the start of 2025. And this boost in frequency will open up even more access to LATAM’s South American network, spanning 153 destinations across 27 countries.
Flying LATAM, the continent’s largest carrier, Aussies can connect to popular destinations including Rio de Janeiro, Cusco, Patagonia, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. That’s some serious pulling power.
LATAM Airlines Group General Manager EMEA, Asia and South Pacific Thibaud Morand said the additional flights strengthen ties between Australia and South America and cater to surging demand for more direct routes.
“LATAM Airlines Group is proud to be the first stop for Australians in their South American adventures,” Morand said.
“By offering daily departures from both Sydney and Melbourne, we’re giving our customers more flexibility, choice and convenience – whether they’re heading off on holiday or travelling for business.
“These enhanced connections also provide a more efficient and accessible option for corporate travellers needing to reach key cities across South America, further strengthening LATAM’s position as the leading carrier between the two continents.”
Morand added that the “convenient” late morning and early afternoon departures allow travellers to arrive in Sydney or Melbourne in the morning and “seamlessly connect to our new direct services to South America the same day – no overnight layovers required”.
Two-way tourism
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the announcement is “a further sign of confidence in Victoria and the increase in services will provide benefits to people on both sides of the Pacific”.
“LATAM is South America’s largest carrier, and this will mark the first time that Melbourne has had a daily, non-stop connection to the continent, which is incredibly exciting,” she remarked, with the extra flights adding 1,800 seats a week between Victoria and Chile.
“South America is an increasingly popular region for Victorian tourists and businesses, but we’re also seeing growing interest in Victoria as a destination for education, trade or holidays.”
LATAM recommenced its Melbourne-Santiago route on 2 September 2023 and its Sydney-Santiago route on 28 October 2024 after suspending services due to the pandemic.
The new flight schedule looks like this…
- Melbourne to Santiago – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Departure at 11:45am, arriving in Santiago at 10:25am the same day
- Melbourne to Santiago – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Departure at 12:20pm, arriving in Santiago at 11:20am the same day
- Sydney to Santiago – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Departure at 12:30pm, arriving in Santiago at 11:20am the same day
- Sydney to Santiago – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Departure at 11:10am, arriving in Santiago at 10:00am the same day
At the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards, LATAM picked up several gongs, including South America’s Best Airline, Best Airline Staff, Best Business Class, Best Economy Class and Best Cabin Crew.
