British Airways is relaunching its daily flights to and from Melbourne after a 20-year hiatus, becoming the first UK airline to fly to Australia since 2014.

The airline announced the move on Tuesday morning as part of its winter expansion, which will see flights from London to Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur commence on January 9, 2027, while return flights begin two days later. 

Passengers will be able to choose from First, World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class) in both directions.

Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus welcomed the return of the flight, saying it was a big win for the city. 

'We are thrilled to welcome British Airways back to Melbourne Airport and we're incredibly excited about what this extra choice means for travellers and exporters,' she said.

'British Airways is one of the world's most recognisable airlines and in its more than 100 years of flying has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence and reliability.

'With the largest choice of airlines flying to the UK and Europe, 24-hour operations and the shortest minimum connection time of any Australian airport, Melbourne Airport is now the clear choice for Europeans heading to Australia or Australians looking to travel abroad.'

She also said the business decision would be beneficial to both Melbourne and London.    

'London is one of the world's great global cities and a critical hub for business, tourism and education, while Melbourne was last week voted Time Out's "best city in the world" as well as being home to the largest British expat community in Australia, so there will be no shortage of two-way demand. 

'The average daily international service injects around $190 million into the Victorian economy each year, which is why it's so important we continue to attract and support more services such as this to Melbourne.

'That's why we last month confirmed plans for a $4.5 billion expansion of our international terminal alongside construction of our third runway, both of which will increase capacity and help provide international travellers and exporters with greater choice.'    

From January 9, 2027, flights will depart London's Heathrow airport daily at 9:10pm and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 6:05pm the following day before landing in Melbourne at 6:40am the day after. 

Return flights begin from January 11, departing Melbourne at 4:35pm, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 9:35pm and then arriving in London at 5:20am the next morning.

Return fares start from just over $2100 and are on sale from 17 March. 

Many Aussies were delighted with the news when Melbourne Airport shared the update on its Facebook page. 

'Awesome news,' one said. 

'And so it should return to Australia’s greatest airport,' a second said. 

'How good to see London back on the Melbourne airport arrival and departures board,' another said. 

'So ridiculous a city like Melbourne lost that years ago.'