The Mystery Behind Direct Flights from Melbourne to Seoul: An In-Depth Look at Australia-Korea Air Travel

Australia’s air routes to Korea have long been a popular subject of debate for travelers, especially when considering the significant differences between cities in terms of direct flights.

While Sydney consistently leads the way as the most frequent departure point for direct flights to Seoul, Melbourne – Australia’s largest city since last year – surprisingly lacks a direct connection.
In contrast, even Brisbane, a much smaller city, boasts direct flights to the South Korean capital.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons why Melbourne doesn’t have a direct flight to Seoul, explore the best alternatives for those flying from Melbourne, and examine the implications of recent developments in the aviation world.

Why Doesn’t Melbourne Have a Direct Flight to Seoul?

1. Market Demand and Population Concentration

One of the key factors behind the lack of direct flights from Melbourne to Seoul is market demand. The primary driver for international flights is the concentration of a city’s population and their demand for travel. While Melbourne is marked as Australia’s largest city in recent years, it has a considerably smaller Korean population compared to Sydney.
According to recent census data, Sydney is home to the largest Korean expatriate community in Australia, with a significant portion of travel demand to Seoul stemming from this demographic.

In Melbourne, the Korean community is relatively smaller, meaning there are fewer travelers flying to and from Seoul. Air carriers base their decisions on market demand, and with fewer passengers needing direct flights, airlines may not find it economically viable to offer a non-stop service from Melbourne to Seoul.

2. Airport Logistics and Economic Considerations

Another factor that influences flight availability is the economic considerations tied to airport operations.
Airports in major cities like Sydney and Brisbane are highly developed for international travel, with extensive flight networks and operational efficiencies that support direct routes to a wide range of destinations.

Melbourne’s airport, while large and capable, may not have the same operational volume or pricing flexibility as Sydney or Brisbane’s airports.

For airlines, the cost of operating flights to a particular city is a critical component of their decision-making. If Melbourne’s airport is more expensive or less optimized for direct international routes, this could deter airlines from launching direct flights to Seoul. In addition, logistical challenges, including the availability of suitable aircraft and the capacity to maintain high-frequency service, could make offering a direct flight to Seoul less attractive.

3. Strategic Airline Decisions

Airlines also make strategic decisions based on factors such as alliances, hubs, and operating agreements.
Korean Air, for instance, may choose to focus its operations on Sydney because it already has a well-established hub there and can connect to other international destinations more efficiently.

Melbourne, while an important international gateway, might not be seen as a crucial strategic hub for Korean carriers.

What Are the Best Alternatives for Melbourne-to-Seoul Travelers?

1. Transiting via Sydney

Currently, the most common way to travel from Melbourne to Seoul is by transiting through Sydney. While Sydney offers direct flights to Seoul, Melbourne travelers have to take a domestic flight to Sydney first, before embarking on their international leg to Seoul. However, this route has its own set of challenges.

The primary inconvenience of flying via Sydney is the need to collect baggage after your international flight from Syndey, go through security again, and then check in for your domestic flight to come home in Melbourne.

This is not only time-consuming but also inconvenient for travelers looking for a smooth and stress-free experience. Additionally, the additional cost of a domestic flight, plus the extra time spent at Sydney’s airport for security and check-in, can make this option less appealing to many.

2. Other Connecting Routes

For travelers looking to avoid Sydney, there are other options available, though they still typically involve a connection. Some travelers prefer to transit through Singapore, which serves as a major hub for flights to Seoul.
Singapore Airlines offers comfortable and efficient flights, making this a popular choice.
Another popular connecting city is Hong Kong, with Cathay Pacific providing excellent service on routes to Seoul. While these routes are longer and more complex than the direct option, they offer travelers the flexibility of multiple flight schedules and may even offer better pricing or more desirable flight times.

What Are the Popular Airlines and Aircraft for Australia-Korea Flights?

1. Airlines Offering Direct Flights to Seoul

For those flying from Sydney, direct options are plentiful.

Korean Air, Qantas, and Asiana Airlines are the primary carriers flying non-stop between Australia and Seoul. Each of these airlines offers daily or multiple weekly flights from Sydney to Seoul, providing ample choices for passengers in terms of flight times and pricing.

For travelers flying via connecting routes, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are two of the most popular carriers for flights to Seoul.
These airlines are well-known for their excellent in-flight service and smooth transits, making them highly regarded by passengers traveling to and from Korea.

2. Aircraft Popularity

The aircraft used for these routes plays a significant role in the overall travel experience.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, for instance, frequently operate the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A350 on their long-haul routes to Seoul.
These aircraft are known for their comfort, with spacious cabins, advanced entertainment systems, and good food service. However, the exact aircraft type can vary depending on the airline and the specific flight, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time when booking.

The Impact of the Recent Muan Airport Incident

In recent news, a tragic incident occurred at Muan Airport in Korea, which involved a crash landing. While no fatalities were reported, the incident raised concerns about certain aircraft models. Many passengers now find themselves increasingly cautious about flying on specific aircraft, particularly older models or those with recent safety issues.

In the wake of this incident, some travelers have begun avoiding certain aircraft types across various airlines, including both premium and budget carriers.
For example, there have been concerns about the safety of certain Boeing 737 models, which were involved in previous accidents. As a result, travelers may prefer to fly on newer aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787, which are seen as safer and more modern.

This shift in passenger preferences is not confined to a particular airline, but it spans across both premium carriers like Korean Air and budget airlines such as Jeju Air and T’way Air.
For those looking for the most current and safest aircraft, it’s advisable to check the fleet information when booking flights, or consult with airlines to confirm which aircraft will be used on a particular route.

The Cost and Flight Time: What to Expect

1. Flight Time

A direct flight from Sydney to Seoul takes around 10 to 11 hours, depending on wind conditions and the specific flight path.
For those flying from Melbourne with a stopover in Sydney, the total flight time (including the layover) could extend up to 14 hours or more.

Flights with connections in cities like Singapore or Hong Kong may take even longer, typically ranging from 16 to 18 hours of total travel time, excluding any layover time.

2. Cost Considerations

Airfares between Melbourne and Seoul vary greatly depending on the season, the airline, and the specific route.
As a general guideline, a round-trip ticket from Melbourne to Seoul via Sydney is typically priced between AUD 1,000 and AUD 1,500. However, if you choose connecting flights through other hubs like Singapore or Hong Kong, the cost can be slightly higher due to additional travel time and layovers.

Budget airlines may offer cheaper alternatives, but they often come with restrictions such as fewer amenities, additional baggage fees, and less flexible booking options. Travelers willing to trade a few extra comforts may find these budget flights appealing, especially if they are looking to save on airfare costs.

Conclusion

While Melbourne may not currently offer a direct flight to Seoul, travelers have plenty of alternatives to explore, ranging from transiting through Sydney to choosing connecting flights via Singapore or Hong Kong.

As the demand for direct flights from Melbourne grows, there may be a future opportunity for airlines to introduce such services, especially as the Korean expatriate community in Melbourne expands.

In the meantime, travelers should consider their preferences for flight time, cost, and comfort when booking their flights. With the right planning, it is still very possible to enjoy a smooth and efficient journey between Melbourne and Seoul, regardless of the lack of a direct connection. 

Really looking forward to seeing the direct flights from Melbourne to Seoul, Korea soon.