Qantas used Melbourne Cup Day to unveil its inaugural ‘Qantas Explorer’ fare sale for the Indian market on 4 November, offering up to 20 % off domestic add-on sectors for passengers booking India–Australia itineraries between 27 October and 26 November. The campaign, run jointly with Tourism Australia, releases two million discounted coupons that let travellers tag multiple Australian cities onto their long-haul ticket at competitive rates.
The Explorer concept has long been available to travellers originating in Europe and North America, but this is the first time Qantas has targeted India—Australia’s fastest-growing inbound market—with a bespoke version. The airline currently flies Bengaluru–Sydney five times a week and Delhi–Melbourne three times a week; executives hint at additional capacity if demand spikes.
![Qantas Launches First ‘Explorer’ Fare Sale in India to Drive Traffic to 45 Australian Cities]()
Tourism Australia country manager Nishant Kashikar said the promotion encourages visitors to “stay longer and explore regional icons such as Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef,” spreading economic benefits beyond the east-coast gateways. For Australian hoteliers and destination management companies, the sale provides a timely fill-ip ahead of the southern-summer peak.
Corporate implications: Indian subsidiaries of Australian firms can bundle multiple site visits into one trip, and universities recruiting in India can leverage cheaper domestic hops for campus tours. Travellers must complete all domestic sectors within 30 days of international arrival, and normal baggage allowances apply.
The Explorer concept has long been available to travellers originating in Europe and North America, but this is the first time Qantas has targeted India—Australia’s fastest-growing inbound market—with a bespoke version. The airline currently flies Bengaluru–Sydney five times a week and Delhi–Melbourne three times a week; executives hint at additional capacity if demand spikes.
Tourism Australia country manager Nishant Kashikar said the promotion encourages visitors to “stay longer and explore regional icons such as Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef,” spreading economic benefits beyond the east-coast gateways. For Australian hoteliers and destination management companies, the sale provides a timely fill-ip ahead of the southern-summer peak.
Corporate implications: Indian subsidiaries of Australian firms can bundle multiple site visits into one trip, and universities recruiting in India can leverage cheaper domestic hops for campus tours. Travellers must complete all domestic sectors within 30 days of international arrival, and normal baggage allowances apply.
