Major Route Changes Affecting Australia-India Air Travel
Two major airlines operating between Australia and India—Qantas and Air India—have recently announced changes to their flight schedules, causing concern among frequent travellers. Qantas will suspend its Melbourne-Delhi flights from June to October 2025, while Air India has decided to halt its Melbourne-Mumbai services from March to mid-September 2025.
These adjustments will have a direct impact on travel between the two countries, especially as demand for flights between Australia and India has grown significantly in recent years. The temporary suspensions come at a time when both airlines are dealing with operational challenges, aircraft availability, and strategic realignments.
For travellers, these changes mean limited direct flight options and potential increases in travel time and costs. As both airlines adjust their operations, passengers will need to consider alternative routes and carriers to maintain smooth connectivity between the two nations.
Qantas Suspends Melbourne-Delhi Flights
Duration of the Suspension and Resumption Timeline
Qantas has announced that it will be suspending its Melbourne-Delhi flights from June 2025 to October 2025, with the final flight before the suspension scheduled for 31 May 2025. The airline intends to resume services on 27 October 2025, ahead of the peak travel season towards the end of the year.
This decision affects direct connectivity between Melbourne and Delhi, a route that has been popular among Indian diaspora members, business travellers, and students travelling between Australia and India.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
Qantas has cited operational constraints and aircraft availability as the main reasons for the suspension. The airline relies on the Airbus A330 aircraft for this route, but fleet scheduling adjustments and maintenance have led to the need for a temporary pause in services.
Another factor influencing the decision is seasonal demand fluctuations. The mid-year period typically sees a reduction in travel volumes, particularly among leisure travellers. Qantas is likely using this opportunity to optimise its fleet operations while focusing on more profitable or high-demand routes.
Alternative Arrangements for Affected Passengers
For passengers booked on Qantas flights between Melbourne and Delhi during the suspension period, the airline has announced alternative travel arrangements.
- Business class passengers will be rebooked on Melbourne-Hong Kong flights, with connections to India via Cathay Pacific.
- Economy class travellers will be offered connections via Singapore, with onward flights operated by IndiGo.
While these rerouting options will allow travellers to complete their journeys, they add extra layovers and extended travel times, which could be an inconvenience for passengers preferring direct flights.
Air India Suspends Melbourne-Mumbai Route
Suspension Period and Operational Adjustments
Air India has also announced that it will be suspending its Melbourne-Mumbai flights from 28 March 2025 to mid-September 2025. This move comes as the airline undergoes operational realignments, particularly in response to changing demand and fleet availability.
The Melbourne-Mumbai route has been an important link for travellers looking for direct flights between Victoria and India’s financial capital. However, the decision to halt operations temporarily will leave a gap in direct connectivity on this route.
Impact on Direct Flights Between Australia and India
With both Qantas and Air India temporarily adjusting their schedules, the availability of direct flights between Australia and India will be reduced. However, during the Qantas suspension period, Air India will still continue operating direct flights from Melbourne to Delhi, ensuring that travellers have at least one direct option available.
While Air India’s adjustments will impact those travelling specifically to Mumbai, passengers can still reach the city via connecting flights through Delhi or Sydney.
Impact on Travellers: What These Changes Mean for Passengers
Limited Direct Flight Options
The suspension of these routes means that direct connectivity between Melbourne and major Indian cities will be affected. Travellers who prefer non-stop flights will have fewer options and may be required to take flights with layovers in Singapore, Hong Kong, or other transit hubs.
For frequent business travellers and families who regularly commute between Australia and India, these changes could lead to longer travel times and potentially higher costs due to increased demand for alternative routes.
Increased Dependence on Other Airlines
With Qantas and Air India temporarily halting services, passengers will increasingly rely on other airlines operating between the two countries. Some of the alternative carriers offering indirect routes include:
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore
- Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
- Emirates via Dubai
- Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur
- Thai Airways via Bangkok
While these airlines provide reliable connectivity, passengers will have to factor in additional layovers and transit times, which can be inconvenient for those seeking faster travel options.
Possible Fare Increases Due to Reduced Capacity
With fewer direct flights available, there is a possibility that airfares could increase due to higher demand for alternative routes. Travellers booking last-minute tickets may find fewer competitive options, particularly during peak travel seasons.
This could particularly impact students, families, and business travellers, who rely on cost-effective travel options between the two nations.
Airline Strategies and Future Outlook
Qantas’ Commitment to the Indian Market
Despite the temporary suspension of the Melbourne-Delhi route, Qantas remains committed to the Indian market and has been expanding its presence in the region.
- The airline continues to operate non-stop flights from Sydney to Bengaluru, an important tech and business hub in India.
- Qantas maintains codeshare agreements with IndiGo and Singapore Airlines, ensuring that its passengers still have access to flights between Australia and India through partner carriers.
By adjusting its network strategy, Qantas is focusing on optimising its fleet and operations while maintaining connectivity through alternative routes and airline partnerships.
Air India’s Strategy for Network Realignment
Air India’s temporary suspension of the Melbourne-Mumbai route is part of a broader strategy to optimise its network under the airline’s ongoing transformation plan. The airline has been expanding its fleet and adjusting flight routes to improve profitability and efficiency.
- Air India has recently acquired new aircraft, allowing it to modernise its fleet and expand its global operations.
- The airline has added new long-haul routes, such as Delhi to San Francisco and Mumbai to New York, reflecting its strategy to prioritise high-demand sectors.
While the temporary suspension of services between Melbourne and Mumbai may inconvenience passengers, Air India’s overall strategy suggests a long-term commitment to international expansion and service improvements.
Navigating the Changes in Australia-India Air Travel
The recent route suspensions by Qantas and Air India highlight the challenges airlines face in balancing operations, demand, and fleet availability. While both airlines have made temporary adjustments, travellers will need to adapt to these changes by exploring alternative routes and carriers.
For those planning to fly between Australia and India, it is advisable to book flights in advance to secure the best fares and remain updated on airline announcements regarding route resumptions.
As both Qantas and Air India continue refining their network strategies, these temporary suspensions could pave the way for long-term improvements in connectivity and enhanced travel experiences in the future. Until then, passengers will have to navigate a slightly more complex journey between these two nations.
