SYDNEY, 15 September 2022: Today the first non-stop flights between Australia and southern India by any airline took to the air as we began our direct services between Sydney and Bengaluru.
Operating four times a week on our Airbus A330 aircraft, QF67 will cut nearly three hours off the current fastest travel time between the two cities and significantly boost connectivity between India and New South Wales.
Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David said the flights will boost tourism and economic relations and open opportunities between Australia and India.
“The addition of Bengaluru to our route map deepens our ties with India and follows the launch of direct services from Australia to Delhi last year which have also proven popular. Qantas is now the only airline offering direct flights between Australia’s two largest cities and the north and south of India.”
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said this new direct flight route solidifies Sydney’s standing as a global city.
“This partnership between Qantas and the NSW Government, through the Aviation Attraction Fund, opens up a new direct route between India and NSW, as well as fantastic opportunities for the NSW visitor economy,” Mr. Franklin said.
Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said the flights would boost Sydney Airport’s connectivity.
“It’s terrific that the important and growing relationship between Australia and India is being reflected in greater aviation connectivity, and we’re delighted to soon welcome passengers on the only direct route between Australia and Southern India.”
Qantas has recently launched the first phase of its codeshare partnership with IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier. There are currently 11 destinations available for connection on IndiGo from Bengaluru, including Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata and Chennai. The codeshare will continue to roll out over coming months, broadening access for Qantas customers travelling throughout India.
To celebrate the route, Qantas has added Indian inspired menu items to its inflight menu on the new Bengaluru services, such as lamb chettinad in Business and paneer makhani, cumin seed pilaf, green peas and beans masala in Economy. Fares between Sydney and Bengaluru start from $1,320 return.
Qantas will fly an A330 aircraft from Sydney to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport four times per week on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Qantas flies Melbourne to Delhi on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Bengaluru, with a population of 13 million people, is a growing technology and financial services hub – becoming widely known as India’s Silicon Valley – and has strong connections to Australia for both business travel and people visiting friends and relatives.
The first flight was celebrated with an entertaining display from Bollywood dancers at the check-in gate, with a tasty southern India-inspired menu on offer in our First Lounge and onboard. Passengers also received a special souvenir certificate to mark the historic flight, with a touchdown in Bengaluru just before 5 pm local time.
