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Verdict

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 7.8/10.

Score comparison

Metric Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Indira Gandhi International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.1 7.8
On-Time Performance 8.0 7.5
Passenger Experience 8.1 7.7
Facilities & Comfort 8.3 8.2
Lounge Score 8.6 8.0
City Melbourne New Delhi
Country Australia India
Terminals 4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) 3 terminals (T1 domestic, T2 regional, T3 international)
Annual passengers 37M+ 72M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy MEL — Melbourne DEL — Indira
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Melbourne, Australia · MEL · #1 in this comparison

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) · 37M+ passengers/year

8.1 / 10

How good is Melbourne Tullamarine Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores 8.1/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.0), passenger experience (8.1), and facilities (8.3). Lounge quality rates 8.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Melbourne MEL scores 8.1/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.6/10. Qantas Business Lounge in Terminal 2 international is the premium benchmark. Allow 60+ minutes for arrival biosecurity. See /guides/melbourne-airport-lounge-guide and /reviews/qantas-first-lounge-sydney-review for Qantas ground product.

FlightLogic Score 8.1 Excellent
On-time 8.0 Departure reliability
Experience 8.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.3 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.6 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.0
Passenger Experience
8.1
Facilities & Comfort
8.3
Lounge score 8.6/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 2 international serves Qantas, Emirates, and oneworld partners
  • Qantas Business Lounge with Neil Perry-influenced dining — companion to Sydney First Lounge review
  • UK–Melbourne direct on Qantas and BA; common one-stop via Singapore or Doha
  • SkyBus to Melbourne CBD in 30–45 minutes

Overview

Australia's second international gateway — Qantas Business and First lounges in Terminal 2 international, strong oneworld hub for UK–Australia routings.

Terminal 2 international and Qantas lounges

Terminal 2 handles international departures for Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and oneworld partners. Qantas Business Lounge offers buffet and à la carte dining with Australian produce.

Domestic connections require terminal transfer (T2→T1/T3/T4) with re-security — plan 90+ minutes for domestic connections after international arrival.

New Delhi, India · DEL · #2 in this comparison

Indira Gandhi International Airport

3 terminals (T1 domestic, T2 regional, T3 international) · 72M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.2). Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Delhi DEL scores 7.8/10 — India's #1 airport and UK–North India hub. T3 international. Metro to city ~20 min. See /guides/uk-india-flights-guide and /guides/delhi-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.5 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.0 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.5
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score 8.0/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–North India gateway — direct BA, Air India, Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
  • T3 international hub — Plaza Premium, Air India Maharaja, and Star Alliance lounges
  • Metro Airport Express to New Delhi ~20 min — fastest city link
  • UK–India VFR traffic peaks Dec–Jan and Jun–Aug — book early

Overview

India's busiest airport and primary UK–India gateway — Air India, BA, Virgin Atlantic direct plus one-stop via Gulf hubs on Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad.

UK routing options

Direct: BA, Air India, Virgin Atlantic from LHR (11–12 hrs). One-stop: Emirates (DXB), Qatar (DOH), Etihad (AUH) often price lower in business class.

Compare DEL vs Mumbai (/airports/mumbai) for your destination state — DEL for North India, BOM for West/South.

More comparisons

Compare Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) against 59 other airports
Compare Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or Indira Gandhi International Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 7.8/10.

Which has better lounges, MEL or DEL?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher for lounges at 8.6/10, versus Indira Gandhi International Airport at 8.0/10.

Which airport is more on-time, MEL or DEL?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) has stronger on-time performance at 8.0/10 versus Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) at 7.5/10.