Tamil Nadu, India · MEL to MAA
Melbourne to Chennai flights
There's no direct flight from Melbourne to Chennai, so every trip has at least one stop. Usually the quickest option is Singapore Airlines (MEL–SIN–MAA), about 13–17 h including the connection. We check every option live for your dates and tell you which one we'd book.
- Non-stopNo
- Typical journey13–17 h
- Distance8,770 km
- Main connectionsSIN · KUL · CMB
Ways to fly Melbourne to Chennai
The routings we book most on this route. Journey times are typical totals including the connection.
Singapore Airlines (MEL–SIN) + Singapore Airlines (SIN–MAA)SIN13–17 hOne Singapore Airlines ticket, bags checked through; Changi is easy with kids and no visa is needed to stay airside. Scoot also flies MEL–SIN–Chennai (low-cost; buy bags). Singapore Airlines High Achievement Award winner (FY2017/18 and FY2018/19).
Malaysia Airlines (MEL–KUL) + Malaysia Airlines (KUL–MAA)KUL14–19 hOne Malaysia Airlines ticket, bags checked through; a calm, compact transfer at KLIA Terminal 1. We're Malaysia Airlines' Top Achieving Agent in South Australia (2022/23 and 2025).
Air India (MEL–DEL) + Air India (DEL–MAA)DEL18–24 hOne Air India ticket: non-stop to Delhi, then a domestic hop. Clear immigration and customs at Delhi T3 and re-check bags before the domestic flight — allow 3 h+.Journey times are estimates: flight times plus a typical connection. Last checked 19 October 2026. Schedules change, and we confirm the exact flights for your dates when we quote.
Busy and quiet months for Chennai
- JanPeak
- FebQuieter
- MarBusy
- AprBusy
- MayQuieter
- JunQuieter
- JulBusy
- AugQuieter
- SepQuieter
- OctBusy
- NovQuieter
- DecPeak
December–January is the peak, with Pongal on 14–15 January 2027. The April and July school holidays are busy. October–December is the north-east monsoon in Chennai. Victorian summer holidays run mid-December to late January.
Baggage on this route
Allowances depend on the airline and the fare you choose. Low-cost carriers only include the bags you pay for, which matters for wedding trips and gifts.
- Singapore Airlines
Weight-based. Economy Lite and Value include 25 kg; Standard and Flexi include 30 kg. Official baggage rules
- Malaysia Airlines
Depends on the fare: the cheapest Lite fares have no checked bag; other economy fares include roughly 20–35 kg. Official baggage rules
- SriLankan AirlinesSriLankan Airlines
Depends on the fare; we confirm the allowance when we quote. Official baggage rules
- Air India
Depends on the fare and route; we confirm the exact allowance on your ticket. Official baggage rules
Leaving from Melbourne Airport (MEL), Tullamarine
All international flights use Terminal 2; Qantas domestic (T1), Virgin (T3) and Jetstar (T4) are a short walk away. Air India's overnight departure means arriving at the airport around 6–9 pm — eat before you go.
Arriving at Chennai International Airport (Meenambakkam) (MAA)
- International flights use the new integrated Terminal 2; domestic flights use Terminal 1/4 — check the boarding pass.
- Chennai Metro has a station at the airport; the city centre is ~30–45 min away.
- Puducherry (~150 km) and Vellore (~130 km) are 3–4 h by road; Trichy and Madurai families sometimes fly into those airports directly via Colombo or Singapore.
Handy for: Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Vellore, Puducherry, Tirupati (by road)
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Melbourne to Chennai: your questions
Is there a direct flight from Melbourne to Chennai?
No. There are no non-stop flights from Melbourne to Chennai. The usual itineraries connect once, most often in SIN, KUL, CMB.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Chennai?
With a good connection, Melbourne to Chennai typically takes about 13 to 17 hours in total. Long layovers can add more, so we always show you the total journey time alongside the price.
Which airlines fly Melbourne to Chennai?
The options we book most are Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, SriLankan Airlines and Air India. We check all of them live for your dates and recommend the one that fits your budget, baggage and timing.
When is the cheapest time to fly Melbourne to Chennai?
February and May–June are usually the quieter months. December–January is the busiest and sells out first. The April and July school holidays are busy.
Can my parents fly Chennai to Melbourne on their own?
Yes, many do. We book one airline on one ticket where possible so bags go straight through, arrange wheelchair help if needed, and keep you updated on WhatsApp.
Do you match a cheaper fare I found online?
Send us the screenshot. We check it against what we can book, including bags and change conditions, and tell you honestly how it compares.