LATAM Airlines Group, South America’s leading airline, brought a touch of Latin flair to Melbourne with two events last Thursday, hosted in partnership with Melbourne Airport. The events were in celebration of the upcoming launch of daily nonstop flights between Melbourne and Santiago for the first time ever, commencing 1 December 2025 until March 2026. Both events, a VIP media and trade lunch and an evening South American Sarao, were held at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters.
The increased services from three times weekly to daily reflect a growing demand from Victorians. Additionally, LATAM will be operating the Melbourne to Sydney service five times weekly from 1 April 2026. Since starting flights to Melbourne in 2017, LATAM has served over 400,000 passengers between Melbourne and Santiago.
The two events showcased LATAM’s commitment to Victoria and surrounding areas and its dedication to strengthening connections between South America and Australia. Increasing services to daily will align with peak summer travel, offering greater flexibility for leisure and business travellers alike. From its hub in Santiago, the gateway to South America, LATAM offers seamless connections to over 160 destinations across 27 countries.
LATAM and Melbourne Airport welcomed key trade partners, media and industry representatives to a South American inspired lunch, prepared by Barra Melbourne, led by Alejandro Saravia. Guests heard updates from both LATAM and Melbourne Airport representatives and were treated to goodies from the region, including Argentinian dulce de leche and Columbian coffee.
Later that evening, over 110 travel agents gathered for the Sarao, featuring South American inspired canapes and wines, capturing the warmth and spirit of LATAM’s home continent.
Alberto Chico Garcia, LATAM’s newly appointed Oceania Country Manager said the increase to daily services is a key milestone for the airline and thanked Melbourne Airport and Australian travel partners for their continued support.
Chico Garcia said, “It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone here in Melbourne, a city that reflects the same creativity and connection we value at LATAM. The move to daily flights between Melbourne and Santiago for the first time is an exciting step forward, one that strengthens our partnership with Melbourne Airport and creates even more opportunity for travellers to experience the best of South America.”
Melbourne Airport Head of Commercial and Airline Business Development Michael Cullen said the move to daily South American services by LATAM was a major milestone for Melbourne.
“Thanks to LATAM, for the first time in our airport’s history, travellers will have daily, non-stop access into one of the most vibrant, diverse continents on earth,” he said.
“We think this service will prove very popular, underpinned by strong two way tourism, trade and business demand.
“The ongoing year-round increase to capacity underscores the growing connections between Victoria and South America and LATAM’s confidence in the Melbourne market.”
Passengers travelling on the Melbourne–Santiago route will experience the comfort of LATAM’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Onboard, travellers enjoy a curated South American dining experience designed by emerging female chefs from across the region, paired with wines selected by Héctor Vergara, Latin America’s only Master Sommelier.
