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British Airways has announced its return to Melbourne after a two-decade absence.
The UK flag carrier will fly daily between Melbourne and London Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur on its four-class 787-9 Dreamliners starting on 11 January. The airline’s only current Australian destination is Sydney, which it flies daily via Singapore.
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This will be the first time British Airways has flown to Melbourne since 2006, and adds an extra option for both travellers and exporters in Victoria, Tasmania, regional NSW, South Australia and the ACT, said Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus.
“British Airways is one of the world’s most recognisable airlines, and in its more than 100 years of flying has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence and reliability,” she said.
“With the largest choice of airlines flying to the UK and Europe, 24-hour operations and the shortest minimum connection time of any Australian airport, Melbourne Airport is now the clear choice for Europeans heading to Australia or Australians looking to travel abroad.
“London is one of the world’s great global cities and a critical hub for business, tourism and education, while Melbourne was last week voted Time Out’s ‘best city in the world’ as well as being home to the largest British expat community in Australia, so there will be no shortage of two-way demand.”
According to British Airways chief planning and strategy officer Neil Chernoff, the announcement comes amid “sizable growth to [British Airways’] flying schedule for Winter 2026”.
“We have a long history of connecting Britain and Australia, and we’re excited to be returning to this great city,” he said.
“We’re also increasing services across several high-demand routes around the world and together, these changes represent a significant investment in our network, adding even more options and choice for our customers.”
The Victorian Government has welcomed the announcement, with Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks pointing to an economic report showing a single daily international flight adds an estimated $190 million (direct and indirect) to the state’s economy.
“Securing these flights operated by British Airways to London is a major win for Victoria – strengthening our ties with a global economic powerhouse and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment and local jobs,” he said.
“These new flights put Victoria in a stronger global position, making it easier for our businesses to reach key markets and for more visitors to experience everything our state has to offer.”
Qantas is the only other airline offering flights between Melbourne and London, with a Heathrow service to recommence in October.
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