Australasia India 40–80% OFF
Cheap flights discovered by AI✨
Fly round-trip to Delhi for A$700, while others pay A$1800+.
Our AI finds Superdeals to India from all major airports in Australia and New Zealand. You book directly with airlines for half the price—or less.
Why are flights to India so expensive in 2026?
A perfect storm of fewer planes, blocked airlines, and record demand from Australia’s Indian community is pushing prices sky-high.
A return flight from Melbourne to Delhi in late 2025 now costs around $2,500 to $2,900 AUD on airlines like Qantas or Air India. That’s roughly 70% more than pre-pandemic prices, even after adjusting for inflation.
So what’s going on? First, the Australian government blocked Qatar Airways from adding extra flights in 2023. That decision removed over a million potential seats from the market each year. With less competition, airlines like Qantas and Singapore Airlines have little reason to drop their prices.
Second, a major engine recall is grounding planes worldwide. IndiGo, India’s biggest airline, has had to park over 70 aircraft due to faulty Pratt & Whitney engines. This makes connecting flights harder to find and more expensive.
Third, Chinese carriers that once offered budget-friendly options still haven’t returned to full strength. Airlines like China Southern used to be the cheapest way to fly this route. Without them, the price floor has disappeared.
Finally, demand is booming. India is now Australia’s second-largest source of migrants. Many are travelling home for weddings and Diwali, and they’ll pay whatever it takes to be there.
The outlook: Don’t expect relief soon. Until more flights are approved or engine issues are resolved, prices will likely stay elevated through 2025 and into 2026.
Meet Superdeals
Never overpay for flights again
You can save between 40% and 80% on your flights to India — and to other Asian countries — with Air Traveler Club Superdeals.
We monitor all major airports in Australia and New Zealand for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- Sydney (SYD) — AU
- Melbourne (MEL) — AU
- Auckland (AKL) — NZ
- Brisbane (BNE) — AU
- Perth (PER) — AU
- Christchurch (CHC) — NZ
- Adelaide (ADL) — AU
- Cairns (CNS) — AU
- Gold Coast (OOL) — AU
- Wellington (WLG) — NZ

Departure airports in Australia/New Zealand and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.

Superdeals to India
Fly for half price (or less)
Airlines don't design their pricing systems to offer half-price tickets. However, when algorithms detect demand shortfalls for specific routes, automated systems apply steep discounts to fill planes. Airlines would rather accept losses than fly with empty seats.
ATC monitors thousands of routes from Australasia 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Australia and New Zealand to Delhi costs A$1800+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around A$700:
Which airlines have promotions to India right now?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
Which carriers have sales and special offers for flights in February, March, April and beyond? You can now browse the entire collection of active promotions:
Browse promos →Popular airlines with frequent offers from Australia and New Zealand:
Travel hacks and insights
for Australia and New Zealand — India flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to India.
Smartraveller advises high degree of caution
The Australian Government (Smartraveller) lists India as “Exercise a high degree of caution” (Level 2). This is due to the threat of terrorism, civil unrest, and crime. While major tourist areas are generally safe, vigilance is required.
Avoid protests and large political gatherings, which can turn violent quickly. Monitor local media for unrest. The advisory level may be higher (Level 3 or 4) for specific border regions like Jammu and Kashmir; check the specific map on Smartraveller before planning travel to northern states.
Qantas Bengaluru route bypasses Delhi congestion
The Qantas Sydney-Bengaluru (BLR) direct route offers a strategic alternative to the chaotic Delhi hub. Bengaluru’s Terminal 2 is newer, more efficient, and avoids the notorious winter fog delays that cripple Delhi operations in December and January.
While fares are comparable to Delhi routes, the time savings on arrival are substantial. Immigration at BLR typically clears in 20-30 minutes versus 60-90 minutes at Delhi during peak banks. Use this gateway for travel to Southern or Central India to skip the northern bottleneck entirely.
Air India baggage allowance beats Australian carriers
Air India typically offers a generous checked baggage allowance of two pieces (23kg each) or 30-40kg by weight on Australian routes, significantly outperforming Qantas’s standard 30kg limit. This is crucial for the VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) market carrying gifts or shopping.
Excess baggage fees on this route are punitive, often exceeding $50 AUD per kg. Booking Air India guarantees 46kg of total allowance in economy on most fare classes. Always verify the specific “2 PC” notation on your e-ticket, as some promotional “Web Special” fares may restrict this.
Disinsection spray mandatory on AU-India flights
Flights between Australia and India require mandatory disinsection (spraying for insects) due to biosecurity regulations. Cabin crew will spray an aerosol insecticide in the cabin before descent, or the aircraft is treated residually.
This is non-negotiable and safe for humans, but asthmatics or those sensitive to chemicals should bring a mask or cover their nose/mouth during the spraying procedure. It typically lasts 2-3 minutes. Do not be alarmed; it is a standard regulatory requirement for this specific route.
Apply for India e-Visa 2 weeks early
Australian and New Zealand citizens are eligible for the Indian e-Visa, but processing times are volatile. While officially 72 hours, system glitches and payment failures are common. Apply at least 2 weeks before your December 18 departure to avoid panic.
Use ONLY the official government website ending in .gov.in. Numerous scam sites mimic the official portal and charge $100+ USD service fees for a visa that costs significantly less. Print a physical copy of the “Granted” ETA status; digital copies are often rejected by door guards.
Travel insurance is vital for fog delays
Given the high probability of fog delays in North India during December, travel insurance is essential. Ensure your policy covers “travel delay” and “missed connection” due to weather. Many basic credit card policies have exclusions or high deductibles.
If your flight from Sydney to Delhi is delayed and you miss a separate domestic ticket to Jaipur, the airline owes you nothing. Comprehensive insurance will cover the rebooking costs. Buy the policy the same day you book your flights to ensure pre-existing medical coverage applies.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
Are there visa processing delays for India this winter?
Yes, processing times for the Indian e-Visa have increased to 4-5 business days in December 2025 due to a surge in winter tourism. While the official window is often stated as 72 hours, the current volume of applications from Europe and North America is causing minor backlogs. Apply at least 7-10 days before your flight to avoid stress, especially if you have a criminal record or Pakistani heritage, which triggers manual review. The fee remains approximately €25 for a 30-day double-entry tourist visa during peak season.
Can European tourists use UPI payments in India now?
Yes, the “UPI One World” wallet recently expanded access in late 2025, allowing travelers to make digital payments just like locals. You can activate this at specialized counters in Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) airports or download participating apps to link non-Indian mobile numbers. This allows you to scan QR codes at roadside chai stalls, shops, and restaurants, bypassing the need for small cash change. Load the wallet using your credit card or foreign currency exchange at the airport kiosk upon arrival.
Is it better to exchange Euros or withdraw cash from ATMs in India?
Withdraw cash from ATMs for the best rates, as airport exchange counters often charge a 10-15% markup on the Euro. ATMs are ubiquitous in cities; look for major banks like SBI, HDFC, or ICICI which reliably accept foreign Visa and Mastercards. Maximum withdrawal limits are typically ₹10,000 (approx €110) per transaction, so you may need multiple withdrawals. Always decline the ATM’s offer to “convert to your home currency” (Dynamic Currency Conversion) to let your home bank handle the rate.
Can I bring my camera drone to India?
No, foreigners are strictly prohibited from importing drones into India without prior government clearance, which is nearly impossible to obtain for tourists. Customs officials at airports like Delhi and Mumbai scan all incoming baggage and will confiscate drones found in luggage. You may be able to store it at the airport customs warehouse until your departure, but this involves significant paperwork and fees. Leave the drone at home to avoid potential fines or confiscation.
Where should I buy a SIM card upon arrival?
Buy a SIM card at the Airtel or Jio kiosks located in the arrivals hall of Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM) airports immediately after customs. You will need your passport, a visa copy, and a passport-sized photo (though they can often take a digital one). Activation typically takes 2-4 hours. Plans are incredibly cheap by European standards—roughly €5-8 for 1.5GB of data per day for a month. Avoid buying SIM cards at street shops later, as the verification process for foreigners is much more cumbersome outside the airport.
What is the “tourist office” scam in Delhi?
This is a common scam where taxi drivers tell you your hotel is “closed,” “burned down,” or “in a blocked area” due to protests or festivals. They will then offer to take you to an “official government tourist office” to rebook. This office is a private agency that will pressure you into buying overpriced tour packages or expensive alternative hotels. Always insist on going to your original destination, use Google Maps to track your route, and arrange an official airport transfer from your hotel if arriving late at night.
Do European plugs work in Indian power outlets?
Standard European Type C (two-pin) plugs often fit into Indian sockets, but they may be loose and require a stabilizer. The standard Indian outlet is Type D (three round pins in a triangle), and newer buildings use Type M. Bring a universal travel adapter to ensure a secure connection for expensive electronics. Voltage is 230V, same as in Europe, so you do not need a voltage converter for laptops or phone chargers.
How does Air Traveler Club find cheap business class to India?
We use AI monitoring to scan thousands of route combinations from Europe to India 24/7, detecting pricing anomalies that last only a few days. For example, when a carrier like Finnair or LOT Polish Airlines needs to fill seats, they might drop business class fares to Delhi to €1,100 while others charge €2,500. Our human experts verify these deals to ensure they have good connections, then alert our free newsletter subscribers immediately. You book directly with the airline, ensuring full safety and mile accrual.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Australasia to India cost?
Nonstop AU/NZ-India flights take 11-13 hours and cost 20-40% more than connecting alternatives. Major hubs—including Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland—offer the most frequent service, primarily to Delhi (DEL) and Bengaluru (BLR).
Direct service justifies its premium for business travelers, families, or when price differences stay below A$200-300—otherwise, strategic one-stop routing typically delivers better value.
| Route | Airline | Aircraft | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney (SYD) → Delhi (DEL) | Qantas | 787-9 | A$1,900 | A$570 (70% off) |
| Sydney (SYD) → Delhi (DEL) | Air India | 787-8 | A$1,750 | A$525 (70% off) |
| Sydney (SYD) → Bengaluru (BLR) | Qantas | 787-9 | A$1,850 | A$555 (70% off) |
| Melbourne (MEL) → Delhi (DEL) | Qantas | 787-9 | A$1,900 | A$570 (70% off) |
| Melbourne (MEL) → Delhi (DEL) | Air India | 787-8 | A$1,750 | A$525 (70% off) |
| Melbourne (MEL) → Mumbai (BOM) | Air India | 787-8 | A$1,850 | A$555 (70% off) |
| Brisbane (BNE) → Delhi (DEL) | Air India | 787-8 | A$1,900 | A$570 (70% off) |
| Perth (PER) → Bengaluru (BLR) | Qantas | A321XLR | A$1,600 | A$480 (70% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Australasia to India flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Australasia to India, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Singapore SIN
with Singapore Airlines / Qantas
- Average savings: 18-25% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Journey breaks into ~8h Australia-New Zealand–Singapore, then ~5h Singapore–India
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free Singapore stopover package
- Visa requirements: Most Australia/New Zealand passport holders enter visa-free 30 days
- Airport rating: Consistently ranked Skytrax top-3 worldwide
- Best for: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland travelers seeking world-class lounge and airport experience
Kuala Lumpur KUL
with Malaysia Airlines / Batik Air
- Average savings: 22-30% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Australia/New Zealand–Kuala Lumpur (~8.5h), then Kuala Lumpur–India (~5h)
- Typical connection: 2-5 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Complimentary flights to 7 cities
- Visa requirements: Visa-free short stays for most Australia/New Zealand passports
- Airport rating: 4-star Skytrax hub with modern main terminal
- Best for: Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane travelers seeking strong value strategy on full-service fares
Bangkok BKK
with Thai Airways / Qantas
- Average savings: 20-28% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~9h Australia/New Zealand–Bangkok and ~4h Bangkok–India legs
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 75 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Modern terminal with premium lounge access
- Visa requirements: Visa-free entry for most Australia/New Zealand passport holders
- Airport rating: 4-star Skytrax airport with extensive dining
- Best for: Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch travelers seeking cultural exploration during transit
Doha DOH
with Qatar Airways
- Average savings: 30-40% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~14h Australia/New Zealand–Doha, ~4h Doha–India
- Typical connection: 2-5 hours (minimum 45 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Hotels from $14/night
- Visa requirements: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival for many Australia/New Zealand passports
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax hub with award-winning lounges
- Best for: Perth, Auckland, Sydney travelers seeking award-winning business class at strong value
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Set alerts →Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to India
Most travelers book Australasia–India flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to India.
Singapore Airlines
A350-900
Five-time Skytrax Airline of the Year winner. The A350’s lower cabin altitude and advanced air filtration deliver superior comfort on long-haul flights, making it a top choice for travelers seeking premium travel for less.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Singapore → Delhi/Mumbai (14–16hrs)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3, USB-C ports, personal IFE
- Business: 1-2-1, fully lie-flat 78″, direct aisle access, premium bedding
- Standouts: 18.5″ HD touchscreen, curated entertainment, complimentary wifi, gourmet meals, Changi lounge access
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,400–1,900; Business A$4,200–5,800;
Qantas
787-9 Dreamliner
Skytrax 5-Star Airline. The 787’s lower cabin pressure and larger windows enhance comfort, making it a preferred choice for long-haul travel between Australia and India.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Perth → Mumbai/Delhi (14–16hrs)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17.8″ width, 3-3-3, USB-C, personal IFE
- Business: 1-2-1, lie-flat 78″, direct aisle access, premium bedding
- Standouts: 13.3″ HD touchscreen, curated entertainment, wifi, gourmet meals, Qantas Club lounge access
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,300–1,800; Business A$4,000–5,500;
Air India
777-300ER
Skytrax 4-Star Airline. The 777-300ER offers spacious cabins and modern amenities, making it a competitive choice for travelers seeking value and comfort on India routes.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Delhi/Mumbai (direct or 1-stop via Singapore/Dubai, 12–15hrs)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3, USB-C, personal IFE
- Business: 2-4-2, lie-flat 76″, direct aisle access, premium bedding
- Standouts: 12″ HD touchscreen, extensive entertainment, wifi, gourmet meals, bonus baggage on select fares
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$900–1,300; Business A$2,800–3,800;
Emirates
A380
Skytrax 5-Star Airline. The A380’s spacious cabins and premium amenities set a new standard for comfort and luxury on long-haul flights to India.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Dubai → Delhi/Mumbai (14–16hrs)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-4-3, USB-C, personal IFE
- Business: 2-2-2, lie-flat 78″, direct aisle access, premium bedding
- Standouts: 18.5″ HD touchscreen, extensive entertainment, wifi, gourmet meals, premium lounge access
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,000–1,500; Business A$3,200–4,500;
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