LATAM Airlines Group announced today that it will increase its non-stop services from Australia to Santiago, Chile to daily flights. The Sydney to Santiago direct flights will start in November 2025, while Melbourne to Santiago will start in December 2025. The increased frequency comes in response to growing demand from passengers travelling between Australia and South America and will be in place until March 2026.
The expansion will offer greater access to LATAM’s South American network of 153 destinations in 27 countries, making it easier than ever for Australians to explore iconic cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Cusco, or the natural wonders of Patagonia in Chile, The Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
The Sydney to Santiago direct service, which relaunched on 28 October 2024 after suspension due to the pandemic, will increase its services from three times per week to seven days a week in time for South American summer peak season. Direct flights from Melbourne to Santiago operate three times weekly, which will increase to a daily service. Flights are available for Australians to book online now.
According to industry sources, recent data shows there has been a 12% increase in passenger bookings from Australia to South America since the beginning of the year.
Thibaud Morand, General Manager EMEA, Asia and South Pacific at LATAM Airlines Group, said the increase in daily direct flights from both Sydney and Melbourne reflects growing demand for stronger links between Australia and South America, driven by both holidaymakers and the corporate travel sector.
“LATAM Airlines Group is proud to be the first stop for Australians in their South American adventures,” said Morand. “By offering daily departures from both Sydney and Melbourne, we’re giving our customers more flexibility, choice and convenience—whether they’re heading off on holiday or travelling for business. These enhanced connections also provide a more efficient and accessible option for corporate travellers needing to reach key cities across South America, further strengthening LATAM’s position as the leading carrier between the two continents. Plus, thanks to convenient late morning and early afternoon departures, travellers from all corners of Australia can arrive in Sydney or Melbourne in the morning and seamlessly connect to our new direct services to South America the same day—no overnight layovers required.”
The flight schedule is as follows:
- Melbourne to Santiago – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Departure at 11:45am, arriving in Santiago at 10:25am the same day
- Melbourne to Santiago – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Departure at 12:20pm, arriving in Santiago at 11:20am the same day
- Sydney to Santiago – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Departure at 12:30pm, arriving in Santiago at 11:20am the same day
- Sydney to Santiago – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Departure at 11:10am, arriving in Santiago at 10:00am the same day
Both services are operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering 30 seats in Premium Business and 270 seats in Economy. The Melbourne to Santiago service is also operated on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, offering 20 seats in Premium Business and 251 seats in Economy. Passengers who choose to fly with LATAM Airlines from Australia to Santiago will experience the superior design and technology of the Boeing aircrafts, which provide optimal comfort, security and efficiency. The aircrafts feature large auto-dimming windows, dynamic lighting and plenty of storage space.
