Air India has announced the eagerly anticipated resumption of its non-stop flights between Mumbai and Melbourne, set to restart with the Winter 2025 schedule. This decision made public on March 18, 2025, marks a significant step in restoring direct connectivity between these two bustling cities, addressing the needs of travelers who have been awaiting the return of this convenient route. The airline plans to recommence the service on September 14, 2025, following a temporary suspension that will see the last flight of the current season depart on March 28, 2025. This strategic pause, spanning from March 29 to September 13, 2025, reflects Air India's efforts to align its operations with seasonal demand patterns and operational priorities, ensuring a robust return for the winter travel season.
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The Mumbai-Melbourne route, first introduced in December 2023, quickly established itself as a vital link between India and Australia. Operated three times a week—on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—the service utilizes Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a modern aircraft featuring 18 business class seats and 238 economy class seats. This configuration offers passengers a blend of comfort and efficiency, catering to a diverse mix of business travelers, tourists, and members of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne. Upon resumption, the flight schedule will see slight adjustments to enhance convenience. Flight AI310 will depart Mumbai at 1:35 AM IST, arriving in Melbourne at 5:30 PM local time, while the return flight, AI311, will leave Melbourne at 7:00 PM local time and land in Mumbai at 2:35 AM IST the following day. These timings are designed to optimize connections and provide flexibility for passengers on both ends of the journey.
The temporary suspension of the route earlier in 2025 raised concerns among travelers, particularly given its popularity since its launch. Data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation indicates that between December 2023 and March 2024, over 10,000 passengers traveled in each direction, underscoring the route’s strong demand. The five-month hiatus, however, is not an indication of discontinuation but rather a calculated move by Air India to manage its fleet effectively. The airline has been undergoing a significant transformation under the Tata Group’s ownership, including a massive retrofit program for its aircraft. This includes upgrades to cabin interiors, seating, and in-flight amenities across its Boeing 787 and Airbus fleets, some of which may have influenced the temporary reallocation of resources away from the Mumbai-Melbourne route. By resuming operations in September 2025, Air India aims to capitalize on the winter travel surge, a period known for increased holiday and year-end traffic.
For passengers affected by the suspension, the interim period will require reliance on connecting flights through hubs like Delhi, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur, potentially extending travel times significantly beyond the direct flight’s 12-hour duration. Nevertheless, the reinstatement of the non-stop service signals Air India’s commitment to maintaining its presence in the India-Australia travel corridor. Melbourne, home to a substantial Indian community and a growing hub for education and business, benefits greatly from this direct link to Mumbai, India’s financial capital. The resumption also aligns with Air India’s broader strategy to expand its international network, bolstered by fleet enhancements such as the integration of Airbus A350s and additional Boeing 787s in the coming years. Travelers can now book flights for the Winter 2025 season, with Air India poised to deliver an improved onboard experience thanks to its ongoing refurbishment efforts. This move not only restores a key route but also reinforces the airline’s dedication to connecting India with major global destinations, meeting the needs of a diverse and growing passenger base. As the winter schedule approaches, anticipation builds for a service that promises to strengthen ties between Mumbai and Melbourne once more.