Travellers planning to fly directly between Mumbai and Melbourne will have to rethink their plans as Air India is suspending its direct flights on this route for more than five months. From March 29 to September 13, 2025, the airline is temporarily halting operations, converting the route into a seasonal service. This move is expected to affect over 30,000 passengers, including students, business professionals, and tourists.
Air India currently operates this route three times a week, but starting late March, passengers will have to look for connecting flights, adding to their travel time. The direct flight usually takes about 12 hours, while alternative routes with layovers could stretch the journey to anywhere between 13 hours 25 minutes and a staggering 52 hours.
For those planning ahead, Air India will resume the flights on September 14 with slightly adjusted schedules:
AI310 (Mumbai to Melbourne): Departure will shift from 12:50 AM to 1:35 AM, landing in Melbourne at 5:30 PM instead of 6:10 PM.
AI311 (Melbourne to Mumbai): Departure from Melbourne will be at 7:00 PM instead of 8:00 PM, with arrival in Mumbai unchanged at 2:35 AM.
The suspension will likely cause disruptions for thousands of passengers. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), 16,307 people flew from Mumbai to Melbourne, and 16,758 took the return journey in the second and third quarters of 2024 alone. Now, these travelers will have to navigate layovers and longer flight times.
Air India first launched the direct Mumbai-Melbourne flights in December 2023, making it the second direct connection to the Australian city after Delhi. The demand was strong, with 10,635 passengers traveling from Mumbai to Melbourne and 10,801 flying back in just the first three months of operations.
Industry insiders say this temporary halt aligns with seasonal travel trends. The airline is expected to restart operations in September to accommodate higher demand.
If you’re booked on this route during the affected period, consider checking with Air India for alternative options. Travelers may need to factor in additional layovers and longer travel times when planning their trips.
While this move might be frustrating for many, Air India’s decision is likely based on operational efficiency and passenger demand patterns. Until September, connecting flights will be the only way to reach Melbourne directly from Mumbai.