Air India will suspend its Mumbai-Melbourne direct flights from late March to mid-September 2025. This move, aimed at adjusting to seasonal demand, will affect over 30,000 travelers. Passengers flying for business, education, or tourism must now rely on connecting flights, increasing travel time.
The airline currently operates this route three times a week. However, from March 29 to September 13, flights AI310 and AI311 will be unavailable. Service will resume on September 14 with a revised schedule. AI310 will depart from Mumbai at 1:35 AM instead of 12:50 AM, reaching Melbourne at 5:30 PM. AI311 will leave Melbourne at 7:00 PM, an hour earlier than before, while its arrival in Mumbai will remain at 2:35 AM.
Passengers will face longer journeys due to this suspension. The direct flight takes around 12 hours, but alternative routes could extend travel time to over 52 hours. This change disrupts thousands of travel plans, creating inconvenience for those flying between these cities.
Air India introduced the Mumbai-Melbourne route in December 2023, offering the second direct connection to Melbourne after Delhi. The demand for these flights surged, with over 21,000 passengers flying each way in its first three months. The decision to suspend the service follows seasonal trends, prompting a shift to a limited schedule.
The airline expects demand to rise again by September, justifying the return of direct flights. Until then, travelers must plan accordingly and explore alternative routes. For those impacted, rescheduling flights may be necessary to avoid excessive delays.
Air India remains committed to optimizing its global operations, ensuring efficiency while adapting to market trends. Travelers should stay updated on changes and consider booking early for the resumed flights in September.
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