Air India upgrades Delhi–Melbourne route with First Class, Wi-Fi and more seats from July 1

Air India has announced a major upgrade to its Delhi–Melbourne service, introducing its refurbished Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route from July 1. The aircraft replaces the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner currently operating the service and marks a significant enhancement in both capacity and passenger experience.

The biggest change for travellers is the introduction of First Class on the route for the first time, alongside upgraded Business Class cabins, onboard Wi-Fi connectivity and enhanced inflight services. The deployment is part of Air India's broader transformation strategy aimed at improving its long-haul product and strengthening its competitiveness on international routes.

For passengers flying between India and Australia, the upgrade promises greater comfort, more premium seating options and an overall improved travel experience, particularly for business travellers, premium leisure passengers and those connecting onwards to Europe.

More seats, more premium choices

The upgraded Boeing 777-300ER is configured in a three-class layout featuring eight private First Class suites, 40 fully flat Business Class seats and 280 Economy Class seats. Compared with the Boeing 787-8 previously serving the route, which offered 28 Business Class seats and 241 Economy seats, the new aircraft significantly increases premium capacity while also adding nearly 60 additional seats overall.

The larger aircraft is expected to help Air India better accommodate growing demand on one of its important long-haul international routes, particularly during peak travel seasons.

The introduction of First Class also gives passengers travelling between India and Melbourne an option that was previously unavailable on the airline's non-stop service.

First class makes its debut on the route

The introduction of First Class represents one of the most notable enhancements for travellers. Passengers booking the premium cabin will have access to private suites featuring leather-upholstered seats that convert into fully flat beds, offering greater privacy and comfort on the nearly 12-hour journey. The product also includes personalised onboard service, enhanced dining experiences and exclusive ground services designed to deliver a more premium end-to-end travel experience.

The move reflects Air India's increasing focus on attracting high-yield international passengers as it continues modernising its long-haul network.

Enhanced business class experience

Business Class passengers will also benefit from upgraded cabins equipped with fully flat beds designed for greater comfort during overnight flights. In addition to improved seating, Air India says travellers can expect enhancements to its onboard service, including refreshed dining options and upgraded soft products aimed at improving the overall premium travel experience.

The additional Business Class capacity is particularly significant given the steady growth in corporate travel between India and Australia, as well as increasing demand from students, professionals and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic.

Wi-Fi connectivity to Delhi–Melbourne

For the first time on the Delhi–Melbourne route, passengers will have access to onboard Wi-Fi, allowing them to remain connected throughout the journey. The addition of internet connectivity reflects a growing expectation among international travellers, particularly business passengers who increasingly seek uninterrupted access to emails, messaging and online services during long-haul flights.

With airlines worldwide investing heavily in digital passenger experiences, onboard connectivity has become an important competitive differentiator on international routes.

Refreshed dining and entertainment

Air India has also upgraded the onboard experience beyond seating. Passengers travelling across all cabins can expect refreshed food and beverage offerings featuring a blend of Indian favourites alongside international cuisine. Premium passengers will also enjoy an expanded selection of wines and spirits.

The airline has further enhanced its inflight entertainment system by offering a broader library of movies, television programmes, music and other digital content catering to diverse passenger preferences.

These improvements form part of Air India's ongoing efforts to redefine its onboard hospitality as it works towards becoming a globally competitive full-service airline.

A better airport experience

The enhanced travel experience begins well before boarding. Eligible premium passengers travelling from Delhi will have access to Air India's flagship Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The recently introduced lounge offers upgraded dining options, comfortable seating areas, dedicated workspaces and improved hospitality services, providing a more seamless and relaxing pre-flight experience.

For premium travellers, this complements the upgraded onboard product and strengthens the airline's end-to-end customer proposition.

Strengthening India–Australia connectivity

Air India currently operates four non-stop flights per week between Delhi and Melbourne. From September 1, 2026, the airline plans to increase operations to a daily service, reflecting growing demand for direct connectivity between the two countries.

The route serves a diverse passenger base, including business travellers, students, tourists and the large Indian diaspora in Australia.

The upgraded aircraft is expected to support this expansion by offering greater capacity while enhancing passenger comfort on one of Air India's longest international sectors.

Convenient connections to Europe

Beyond Australia, the Delhi–Melbourne service also plays an important role within Air India's international network. Passengers travelling from Melbourne can connect through Delhi to several major European destinations, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan and Zurich, using convenient same-terminal transfers.

Similarly, travellers from Europe gain easier access to Australia through Air India's expanding Delhi hub, strengthening the airline's ambition to position the Indian capital as a major international transit gateway.

Together with its non-stop Delhi–Sydney flights, Air India is steadily building stronger air links between India, Australia and Europe, providing travellers with greater connectivity and more routing options.

Air India's Transformation Journey

The aircraft upgrade is another visible step in Air India's ongoing transformation under the Tata Group. Over the past two years, the airline has introduced new onboard products, upgraded lounges, expanded digital services, refreshed its catering and accelerated fleet modernisation as part of its strategy to become a leading global full-service airline.

The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER with First Class, enhanced Business Class, Wi-Fi connectivity and improved passenger amenities on the Delhi–Melbourne route reflects that broader vision. For travellers, it translates into more comfort, better connectivity and a premium flying experience, while strategically strengthening Air India's position in the increasingly competitive India–Australia aviation market.