Korean Air to launch seasonal Seoul-Melbourne route

Korean Air plans to launch a new nonstop route between Seoul Incheon International Airport and Melbourne Airport, flying three times weekly from December 18, 2026 through March 14, 2027.

The carrier said the seasonal service reflects rising travel demand between South Korea and Australia. It will run alongside Korean Air's existing year-round flights to Sydney and Brisbane. Once established, Melbourne would become the airline's third continuous Australian destination.

The airline said the route is meant to support cultural, business and leisure exchange between the two countries. It described Melbourne as a metropolitan hub of more than 5.3 million people, known for its arts, food and education sectors.

Flights will run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using a Boeing 787-9. Flight KE409 is scheduled to depart Seoul Incheon at 08:00 local time and arrive in Melbourne at 20:30. The return flight, KE410, departs Melbourne at 22:00 and lands back in Incheon at 07:35 the following morning.

The announcement comes as Korean Air continues integrating Asiana Airlines, following recent approvals from both companies' boards and shareholders for a December merger. That process is separate from the new Melbourne route.

No pricing details were included in the announcement.