Flying from Australia to South America is about to get a lot easier

LATAM Airlines is to resume flying directly between Melbourne and Santiago, Chile.

From Santiago, passengers can connect to more than 144 destinations in LATAM’s network across the Americas.

LATAM will recommence the Melbourne - Santiago route with three weekly services operated on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, enabling passengers to fly to Santiago in under 13 hours.

LATAM Airlines Australian operations were paused in April 2020 due to the pandemic, with flights from Sydney via Auckland to Santiago restarting in March 2022.

"We are extremely excited to work with the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport to resume LATAM’s direct flights to South America," said Chris Ellis, Country Manager for LATAM.

"There has been a huge demand for travel to the region and we are thrilled to be able to meet the needs of travellers, starting with over 900 seats a week on our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

"For the past year, we have been building our capacity in Sydney and it's a pleasure to be taking up residence again in Melbourne Airport as we expand our footprint in Australia.

“LATAM has the largest network in Latin America with connections to 144 destinations, including some of the greatest bucket list destinations in the world."

The first LATAM Airlines Melbourne flight will take off from Santiago on September 1, 2023, arriving in Melbourne on September 2 and taking off on the same day.

To make a booking, visit latam.com or contact travel agents.