Air India Elevates Global Presence with Expanded Routes and Fleet Modernization

Air India is set to significantly enhance its international operations, introducing additional flights across key global routes and undertaking comprehensive fleet upgrades. These strategic initiatives, effective from March 30, 2025, aim to provide passengers with increased travel options and an elevated in-flight experience.

Expanded Services to the United Kingdom and Europe

Travelers between India and the United Kingdom can look forward to more frequent flights on several prominent routes:

• Delhi to London Heathrow: The frequency will increase to 24 flights weekly, up from the current 21. This route will utilize Air India’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 and the newly upgraded Boeing 787-9 aircraft, ensuring passengers enjoy a modern and comfortable journey.
• Amritsar to Birmingham and London Gatwick: Flights will now operate four times a week, an increase from the previous three weekly services.
• Ahmedabad to London Gatwick: This route will see an expansion to five weekly flights, up from three, offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience.

In addition to the UK enhancements, Air India is strengthening its European network:

• Delhi to Zurich: The airline will add an extra weekly flight, bringing the total to five.
• Delhi to Vienna: Services will increase from three to four flights per week, catering to the growing demand on this route.

Growth in Asian and African Markets

Air India’s expansion strategy also focuses on key destinations in Asia and Africa:

• Delhi to Seoul Incheon: Flights will increase to five per week, up from four, enhancing connectivity between India and South Korea.
• Delhi to Hong Kong: All seven weekly flights will now be operated by the larger Boeing 787 Dreamliner, replacing the Airbus A321, to accommodate increased passenger demand.
• Delhi to Nairobi: The frequency on this route will rise from three to four flights weekly, strengthening ties between India and East Africa.

Comprehensive Fleet Modernization

To support its expanded operations, Air India is investing heavily in fleet modernization:

• Narrowbody Aircraft: Upgrades are progressing well, with completion expected by mid-2025.
• Widebody Aircraft: The first legacy Boeing 787 will enter retrofit in April 2025, featuring new seats and advanced entertainment systems. This aircraft is slated to return to service by October 2025, with subsequent retrofits of two to three Boeing 787s each month until all 27 legacy aircraft are refurbished.

Adjustments Due to Fleet Upgrades

During this period of fleet enhancement, Air India will make temporary adjustments to its services:

• Mumbai to Melbourne: Non-stop flights will be suspended from March 30 to September 13, 2025, to accommodate aircraft retrofitting schedules.
• Kochi to London Gatwick: This route will be suspended starting March 30, 2025, until further notice.

Despite these suspensions, Air India will maintain 12 weekly flights to London Gatwick from Amritsar, Ahmedabad, and Goa, ensuring continued connectivity for passengers.

These strategic expansions and fleet upgrades underscore Air India’s commitment to enhancing its global network and providing passengers with superior travel experiences.