Air India’s Mumbai-Melbourne Service Faces Cutbacks Amid Route Adjustments
Travelers flying directly between Australia and Mumbai will soon face disruptions as Air India has announced the suspension of its newly launched Mumbai-Melbourne route. The airline, which only commenced operations on this sector in December 2023, has decided to reduce the service due to operational changes, making it a seasonal route from 2025. This decision will leave Australia without a direct, year-round air link to Mumbai, India’s financial capital.
Air India’s Decision and Impact on Travelers
Air India had initially introduced the non-stop Mumbai-Melbourne flights as part of its broader expansion into the Australian market. However, after just a few months of operations, the airline has opted to discontinue the service, citing strategic route planning. Instead of maintaining a year-round connection, the route will now operate seasonally from mid-2025, significantly limiting options for passengers who rely on direct flights between the two countries.
For travelers, this means they will have to opt for connecting flights via other hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, or Kuala Lumpur once the direct route is halted. This change will not only increase travel time but could also impact airfare pricing and overall convenience for both business and leisure travelers flying between India and Australia.
Melbourne-Mumbai Route Faces Operational Challenges
Despite strong demand for travel between India and Australia, maintaining direct connectivity on this particular route has proven to be a challenge. Airlines operating long-haul flights must assess route profitability, demand fluctuations, and aircraft availability. Air India’s decision suggests that sustaining a year-round service between Mumbai and Melbourne was not viable under the current market conditions.
With India being one of Australia’s largest tourism and migration markets, the move is expected to affect thousands of travelers annually. Indian-origin residents in Australia, particularly those from Mumbai and surrounding regions, will have to reconsider their travel plans, adding extra layovers and potential visa requirements for transit countries.
A Setback for Strengthening India-Australia Air Connectivity
The cancellation of this route as a year-round service is a setback in efforts to strengthen direct aviation links between India and Australia. While Air India and other carriers have been expanding their networks, particularly in the Sydney and Melbourne sectors, the loss of a direct Mumbai-Melbourne connection highlights the difficulties of sustaining long-haul international routes without strong and consistent demand.
Currently, most passengers traveling between India and Australia rely on Air India, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and other carriers that offer one-stop connections. While Sydney retains direct flights to Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai travelers will once again have to depend on indirect routes.
What’s Next for Passengers?
With the direct Mumbai-Melbourne flights no longer available year-round, travelers will need to explore alternative routes. Some of the best alternatives include:
- Connecting via Singapore: Singapore Airlines provides multiple daily flights between Mumbai and Melbourne with relatively short layovers.
- Middle Eastern Carriers: Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways offer convenient one-stop connections via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, respectively.
- South-East Asian Options: Airlines like Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways provide services through Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
- Sydney and Delhi Routes: Passengers could consider flying directly to Sydney or Delhi with Air India or Qantas before taking a domestic flight to their final destination.
Seasonal Operations: What to Expect?
Although the route will not be completely discontinued, Air India has confirmed that it will return as a seasonal service in 2025. This means the airline will operate flights during peak travel periods, such as school holidays, festival seasons, or high-demand months for tourism and business travel.
While the details of the seasonal schedule are yet to be finalized, it is expected that flights may be available during India’s festive season (October-November), Australia’s summer holidays (December-January), and other peak travel periods. However, passengers traveling outside these months will have to rely on connecting flights.
Future Prospects for India-Australia Direct Flights
Despite this setback, India-Australia travel demand remains strong, with both countries witnessing increased movement of tourists, students, and business travelers. If demand continues to grow, it is possible that other airlines may step in to fill the gap left by Air India’s reduction of services.
Industry experts believe that for long-term sustainability, more partnerships between Indian and Australian airlines, competitive pricing strategies, and enhanced passenger demand will be crucial. Whether another airline introduces a year-round direct Mumbai-Australia route remains to be seen.
The suspension of Australia’s only direct Mumbai flights is a disappointment for travelers who have enjoyed the convenience of non-stop connectivity. While the route will still operate on a seasonal basis from 2025, the loss of year-round service means passengers will have to rely on one-stop connections for much of the year. As aviation trends evolve, the hope remains that growing passenger demand may lead to the return of more consistent direct flights between India and Australia in the future.
