Your Ultimate Guide to Booking Diwali Flights from Australia to India

Last Updated on Sep 29th, 2026 by Kamal Kishor, Leave a Comment

Key Takeaway

• Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8.
• There are no non-stop flights from Australia to Amritsar or Chandigarh. All routes require at least one stop.
• Air India operates the only non-stop services between Australia and India (Sydney to Delhi and Melbourne to Delhi).
• Airfares during Diwali are typically 40 to 100% higher than off-peak periods.

Over a billion people celebrate Diwali. It is the biggest festival in the world and the busiest travel season of the year for Indian Australians. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, and the five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 10.

When Is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon) of the Kartik month. It is a five-day festival that runs from Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, to Bhai Dooj on Tuesday, November 10.

Festival Day	Date (2026)	Significance
Dhanteras	Friday, November 6	Buying gold, silver, or new utensils.
Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi)	Saturday, November 7	Preparation and early celebrations.
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja	Sunday, November 8	Main festival day, Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
Govardhan Puja	Monday, November 9	Gratitude for nature, community feasts
Bhai Dooj	Tuesday, November 10	Celebration of the brother-sister bond

Why Diwali Flights from Australia to India Are So Expensive

Diwali is one of the busiest travel periods for the Indian diaspora worldwide. Families across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, and the Middle East all travel home around the same time, creating exceptionally high demand on a limited number of seats.

There are several reasons why the airfare for Diwali travel from Australia to India is higher:

• A fixed number of seats are available on these routes.
• In Australian states, Diwali coincides with the school holidays, enabling more family travel.
• Between September and November, some companies experience a peak of leave requests.
• Families travelling together require seats side by side, which reduces availability more quickly.
• During Diwali, passengers bring more luggage, gifts, and items to be handed over to their relatives, potentially forcing them to opt for a higher class of fare.

Flights fill up, and airlines raise their prices as seats become unavailable. This is why it is more expensive to book late, sometimes by 40 to 100% compared to a few months in advance.

When to Book Diwali Flights to India from Australia

The best time to book Diwali flights to India is 3 to 5 months before departure. For Diwali 2026 on November 8, that means:

Booking Window	What to Expect
Before June 2026	Early bird fares may be available; limited routes but the best prices.
June to early August 2026	Best booking window. More seats available, competitive fares, and the widest choice of airlines and schedules.
Mid-August – September 2026	Fares are rising. Still workable, but non-stop and direct flights start selling out.
October 2026	Peak pricing. Limited availability, especially for families needing seats together.
Late October to early November 2026	Last-minute. Expect premium prices, longer transit times, and few options.

For families and groups, booking earlier than the 3- to 5-month window is even more important. Securing seats together becomes much harder as the departure date approaches.

Compare flight fares from Australia to India on MyTicketsToIndia and lock in your seat before the June to August window closes.

Route Options: Flying from Australia to India for Diwali

There are no non-stop flights from Australia to Amritsar or Chandigarh. Every route requires at least one stop. Air India operates the only non-stop service between Australia and India to Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi.

Sydney to India Flight Routes

Destination	Typical Stopover	Airlines
Sydney to Delhi	Non-stop (Air India) or 1 stop via Singapore/Kuala Lumpur	Air India, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Sydney to Mumbai	1 stop via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Doha	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways
Sydney to Hyderabad	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Sydney to Bangalore	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines

Air India operates a nonstop service from Sydney to Delhi, making it the fastest option for travellers heading to North India.

Book Sydney to Delhi flights

Melbourne to India Flight Routes

Destination	Typical Stopover	Airlines
Melbourne to Delhi	Non-stop (Air India) or 1 stop via Singapore/Kuala Lumpur	Air India, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Melbourne to Mumbai	1 stop via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Doha	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways
Melbourne to Hyderabad	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Melbourne to Bangalore	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines

Air India has expanded its Melbourne to Delhi service, with increased frequency timed around peak travel seasons, including Diwali. From October 27, 2026, the route will operate eleven weekly flights.

Book Melbourne to Delhi flights

Brisbane to India Flight Routes

Destination	Typical Stopover	Airlines
Brisbane to Delhi	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Brisbane to Mumbai	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Brisbane to Amritsar	1-2 stops via Singapore/Kuala Lumpur + Delhi	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines

Brisbane does not have a nonstop service to India. All routes require at least one stop.

Book Brisbane to Delhi flights

Perth to India Flight Routes

Destination	Typical Stopover	Airlines
Perth to Delhi	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia
Perth to Mumbai	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Perth to Amritsar	1-2 stops via Singapore/Kuala Lumpur + Delhi	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia

Perth is geographically closer to India than the eastern Australian cities, which means shorter total journey times on some routes. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are the most common transit hubs.

Book Perth to Delhi flights | MyTicketsToIndia

Adelaide to India Flight Routes

Destination	Typical Stopover	Airlines
Adelaide to Delhi	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Adelaide to Mumbai	1 stop via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur	Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines
Adelaide to Hyderabad	1 stop via Kuala Lumpur	Malaysia Airlines

Adelaide has slightly fewer direct routes than Sydney or Melbourne, yet there are one-stop services via Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to all significant Indian places.

Book Adelaide to Delhi flights | MyTicketsToIndia

Which Airlines Fly from Australia to India?

Several airlines operate Australia-to-India routes, with different strengths depending on your destination.

Airline	Routes	Best For
Air India	Non-stop Sydney to Delhi and Melbourne to Delhi	Fastest option; no transit
Singapore Airlines	Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide to all major Indian cities via Singapore	Premium service; excellent connections
Malaysia Airlines	Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide to Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad via Kuala Lumpur	Competitive fares; good for South India
Qatar Airways	Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth to Delhi and Mumbai via Doha	One-stop connections to Mumbai and Delhi
Cathay Pacific	Sydney, Melbourne, to Delhi, Mumbai, via Hong Kong	Alternative routing; good for North India
AirAsia X	Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth to Delhi and Mumbai via Kuala Lumpur	Budget option: lower fares

• Non-stop options: there is only one airline, Air India, which gives non-stop services on the Sydney to Delhi and Melbourne to Delhi routes.
• One-stop options: Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines provide the best one-stop connections from all the major cities in Australia to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Amritsar.

Struggling to find a decent flight back to your hometown?

Most Australia-to-India flights land at Delhi or Mumbai. Domestic flights can then be taken to your final destination. Delhi and Mumbai have frequent domestic connections with cities such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India provide these services.

Don’t know which gateway and connection to use to get to your final destination? MyTicketsToIndia can help you find the best deals and finalize your purchase.

Should You Choose a Non-Stop or Connecting Flight for Diwali Travel?

This is one of the biggest decisions for Diwali travel to India from Australia. Both options have trade-offs.

Factor	Non-Stop (Air India)	Connecting
Journey time	12 to 13 hours	16 to 22 hours depending on layover
Convenience	No transit; arrive fresh.	Layover adds time and fatigue
Price	Higher, especially during Diwali	Often lower, especially if booked early
Availability	Limited; sells out first during Diwali	More options; better for families and groups
Baggage	Standard allowance	Varies by airline; check carefully.
Best for	Solo travellers, couples, those short on time	Families, groups, budget-conscious travellers

A flight directly to India is most likely to become booked up before others during Diwali. To secure a direct flight, you should try to buy well in advance, perhaps as early as June or July.

Transit flights through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, or Abu Dhabi often provide better value and more availability. Many families choose one-stop routes to balance cost and comfort, especially when travelling with children or elderly parents.

Tips to Save on Diwali Flights from Australia to India

Even during peak season, there are ways to reduce your travel costs.

1. Book early. The single biggest saver. Fares for Diwali typically climb sharply from September onward. Booking in June or July locks in the best prices.
2. Be flexible with your travel dates. Flying a few days before or after the main Diwali celebrations can reduce airfare. For example, departing Australia on November 5 instead of November 1 may be cheaper.
3. Compare multiple airlines. Don’t assume the first option is the best. Compare non-stop, one-stop, and two-stop routes. Check baggage allowances and total journey time, not just the fare.
4. Consider transit flights. Routes through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur often provide excellent value, especially from Perth and Adelaide.
5. Monitor flight prices. Set up price alerts and track fares over a few weeks before booking. Fares can fluctuate, and a price drop may appear.
6. If you’re travelling with family, book as a group. Group bookings can sometimes access fares that individual bookings cannot, especially for four or more passengers.
7. Check baggage allowances carefully. Some cheaper fares include only one checked bag. A slightly higher fare with two bags included may be better value if you are carrying gifts and sweets.

How to find cheap last-minute flights

Can I Travel to India After Diwali Instead of Before?

Yes. Some travellers prefer to arrive in India after Diwali, either because they cannot get leave before the festival or because they want to avoid the peak crowds.

Travelling after Diwali has advantages:

• Lower fares: Prices typically drop after the main festival dates, especially from mid-November onward.
• Less crowded airports and flights: The travel rush subsides after Bhai Dooj.
• Availability: More seats open up, making it easier to find convenient connections.

The trade-off is that you miss the main celebrations. If your priority is being in India for Diwali, you need to travel before November 8. If your priority is seeing family and you are flexible on timing, travelling after Diwali can save you money and stress.

Diwali Celebrations in Australia

If you are celebrating Diwali in Australia before or after your trip to India, several major events take place across the country.

City	Event	Date (2026)
Perth	Diwali Mela at Langley Park	October 31 – November 1
Melbourne	Melbourne Diwali at Marvel Stadium Square	October 31
Brisbane	Diwali Festival of Lights at Broadwater Parklands	October 31
Brisbane	The Greater Brisbane Festival of Light at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds	November 7
Cairns	Diwali Mela at Esplanade	October 24
Victoria	Northern Diwali at Whittlesea	October 31
Geelong	Deakin University Diwali Festival	November 6

Diwali celebrations in Australia have grown significantly over the past two decades. What began as private family gatherings and temple events in the 1990s is now a major public festival, with large-scale events in every major city. These celebrations feature cultural performances, food stalls, henna, fireworks, and community gatherings.

What to Know About Celebrating Diwali in India

For many Indian Australians, Diwali is the occasion that brings them back to the family home in India. If you are planning to be in India for the festival, here are a few things to know.

Tithi and time of Lakshmi Puja: Lakshmi Puja is observed during Pradosh Kaal (the window after sunset). For the year 2026, the proposed muhurat in India is about 5:54 pm to 7:50 pm IST (8th Nov 2026), while in Australia it is about 11:24 pm (8th Nov 2026) to 1:20 am AEDT (9th Nov 2026).

Best places to experience Diwali in India

• Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, celebrates the largest Deepotsav, with millions of diyas lit along the Saryu River. 
• Varanasi marks the occasion with Dev Deepawali fifteen days later; hundreds of thousands of lamps adorn the ghats. 
• The Golden Temple at Amritsar glows brightly, and Marwar displays the full glitter of Jaipur markets. 
• In Maharashtra, people celebrate the festivities in Mumbai and Pune, where they partake in faral community gatherings.

Return flights

If you are flying to India for Diwali, you will also need a return flight. Return fares from Delhi and Mumbai to Australia are typically highest in the second and third weeks of November. Book your return leg at the same time as your outbound flight to lock in the best price.

Book your return flight now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Diwali in 2026?

A: Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8. The five-day festival runs from Dhanteras on November 6 to Bhai Dooj on November 10.

Q: When should I book my Australia to India flight for Diwali?

A: The best time to book is 3 to 5 months before departure, ideally between June and early August 2026. Booking during this window gives you the best prices, more airline choices, and better availability for family seating.

Q: Are flights from Australia to India pricier around Diwali?

A: Yes. Diwali is one of the busiest travel periods for the Indian diaspora worldwide. Fares during the Diwali window are typically 40 to 100% higher than off-peak months. Booking early is the most effective way to reduce costs.

Q: Which Australian cities have flights to India for Diwali travel?

A: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide all have flights to India. Air India operates non-stop services from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi. All other routes require at least one stop, typically via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Doha.

Q: How can families prepare for a Diwali trip from Australia to India?

A: Book early (June-August), select seats together at the time of booking, check baggage allowances carefully, and consider one-stop routes if non-stop flights are unavailable or too expensive. For large families, group bookings may offer better fares.

Q: Should I choose a non-stop or connecting flight for Diwali travel?

A: Non-stop flights are faster and more convenient but sell out first and cost more. Connecting flights are cheaper, have more availability, and are often better for families and groups. Choose based on your budget, time constraints, and travel party.

Q: What should I check before choosing a Diwali flight from Australia?

A: Check your visa (e-Tourist Visa for Australian passport holders), passport validity (six months minimum), baggage allowance, seat selection, transit visa requirements, travel insurance, and onward domestic connections in India.

Final Thoughts

Diwali 2026 is on November 8, and for Indian Australians, it is the biggest travel season of the year. The key to avoiding a stressful, expensive trip and instead having a smooth, affordable one is to book early.

The best fares for Diwali flights to India from Australia appear between June and early August. By September, airlines have sold the cheapest seats. By October, you’ll pay peak prices for whatever remains.

Planning to fly home for Diwali? Start comparing fares now. Book your seats, secure your visa, and get ready for the festival.

[Compare Australia to India flights on MyticketsToIndia]

Happy Diwali!

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