Korean Air to Launch Seasonal Seoul-Melbourne Flights This Winter
Korean Air announced it will launch non-stop services between Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Melbourne Airport (MEL), operating three times a week from December 18, 2026, through March 14, 2027. The new route is driven by steady growth in travel between South Korea and Australia, complementing Korean Air's existing year-round service to Sydney and Brisbane. The addition gives travelers expanded non-stop options to Australia's key cultural and business hubs during the peak winter travel period. A growing gateway to southern Australia Melbourne, home to more than 5.3 million residents, is a major metropolitan center known for its culture, arts, food scene, sports, and education. Korean Air said the new service is designed to support expanding cultural, business, and leisure exchange between the two countries. Flight schedule The route will be operated using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, flying every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Flight KE409 departs Seoul Incheon at 0800 local time and arrives in Melbourne at 2030 local time. The return flight, KE410, departs Melbourne at 2200 local time and arrives back in Seoul Incheon at 0735 local time the following day. Melbourne joins Sydney and Brisbane as Korean Air's third year-round destination in Australia. RELATED Korean Air, Asiana secure board and shareholder approvals for December merger