Air India will introduce First Class on its Delhi–Melbourne route from 1 July, as part of an aircraft change that also boosts premium capacity on one of its key Australian services.
The airline will replace the Boeing 787-8 currently flying the route with a Boeing 777-300ER. The new aircraft is configured with eight First Class suites, 40 Business Class beds and 280 Economy Class seats. The outgoing 787-8 has 18 Business Class seats, 241 Economy Class seats and no First Class cabin.
The First Class suites include leather seats that convert to fully flat beds, along with privacy doors. Business Class seats are also fully flat, with additional comfort and privacy features.
Wi-Fi will be available on the route for the first time, alongside an expanded inflight entertainment library and updated food and beverage options across all cabins.
Air India said Australia remains a key international market, citing continued growth in demand for both business and leisure travel between the two countries. The airline currently operates the Delhi–Melbourne route four times a week, increasing to seven times weekly from 1 September, 2026.
The upgrade follows the recent opening of Air India’s Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport, available to eligible premium passengers travelling on the route, including those connecting from Australia.
Passengers flying via Delhi can access same-terminal connections to European destinations including London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan and Zurich, giving Australian travellers additional onward options through the hub.
Air India also flies non-stop between Delhi and Sydney, offering similar connectivity to Europe and the UK. Combined with the Melbourne upgrade, the airline now offers Australian travellers two non-stop gateways to India with improved premium options on at least one route.
The changes come as Air India continues to invest in its long-haul fleet and product, with the airline describing the moves as part of a broader push to modernise its offering across international markets, including Australia.
For Australian travel agents, the addition of First Class and expanded Business Class on the Melbourne route gives a new premium option to offer clients travelling to India, and onward to Europe via Delhi.
