Air India is making significant expansions to its international flight network while enhancing its fleet, providing travelers with more options and improved comfort.
These updates will take effect from March 30, 2025, aligning with the airline’s Northern Summer schedule.
Increased Flights to the UK and Europe
Passengers traveling between India and the United Kingdom will have access to more flights on several key routes. The Delhi-London Heathrow route, a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers, will see three additional flights per week, bringing the total to 24.
These flights will be operated using a combination of Air India’s flagship A350-900 and upgraded Boeing 787-9 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and modern experience for passengers.
Beyond London Heathrow, Air India is also increasing services to other UK cities. Flights from Amritsar to both Birmingham and London Gatwick will now operate four times a week instead of three.
The Ahmedabad-London Gatwick route will experience the most notable expansion, increasing from three to five weekly flights, giving passengers more flexibility.
Across Europe, the airline is also strengthening its operations. The Delhi-Zurich route will add one more weekly flight, raising the total to five. Similarly, the Delhi-Vienna route will increase its frequency from three to four flights per week to accommodate rising demand.
Growth in Asia and Africa
Air India’s network expansion extends beyond Europe, with an increased focus on Asia and Africa.
Flights on the Delhi-Seoul Incheon route will rise from four to five per week. Additionally, the airline is increasing capacity on the Delhi-Hong Kong route by replacing the Airbus A321 with the larger Boeing 787 Dreamliner for all seven weekly flights.
In Africa, Air India is also strengthening its presence by increasing the frequency of its Delhi-Nairobi route from three to four flights per week. This adjustment aims to improve connectivity between India and East Africa.
Fleet Modernization and Upgrades
In addition to expanding its route network, Air India is heavily investing in fleet modernization. The airline’s narrowbody aircraft upgrades are progressing well and are expected to be completed by mid-2025.
The first of its legacy widebody aircraft, a Boeing 787, will undergo a retrofit beginning in April 2025. This upgrade will feature new seats and advanced entertainment systems, significantly enhancing the passenger experience.
The aircraft is expected to return to service in October 2025. Following this, two to three Boeing 787s will undergo similar upgrades each month until all 27 legacy aircraft in the fleet have been refurbished.
Boeing 777 Retrofit and Service Adjustments
While the Boeing 787 upgrades remain on schedule, the retrofit of the legacy Boeing 777 fleet, originally planned for 2025, will now begin in early 2026.
This delay is due to supply chain constraints with the airline’s selected seat supplier. However, Air India will undertake interim improvements to the interiors of the Boeing 777 aircraft throughout 2025 to enhance passenger comfort before the full retrofit program begins.
As part of these fleet modifications and the resulting temporary reduction in operational capacity, Air India will suspend its non-stop Mumbai-Melbourne service between March 30 and September 13, 2025.
Additionally, the non-stop Kochi-London Gatwick route will be suspended from March 30, 2025, until further notice.
Despite these changes, Air India will continue operating 12 weekly flights to London Gatwick from Amritsar, Ahmedabad, and Goa, maintaining essential connectivity for travelers.
These strategic moves are designed to help Air India manage its fleet efficiently during the upgrade process while ensuring long-term improvements in the travel experience for its passengers.