Air India
India's scheduled full-service flag carrier, linking an extensive domestic network with international destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and other regions.
About Air India
Air India traces its origins to 1932, when J. R. D. Tata established Tata Airlines. The business adopted the Air India name in 1946 and was later nationalised, becoming India's state-owned flag carrier. Tata Sons regained control through its subsidiary Talace in 2022 and began a wide-ranging transformation of the airline. The 2024 merger of Tata-owned Vistara into Air India created a larger full-service operation retaining the Air India identity.
New Delhi is Air India's primary and busiest departure hub, followed by Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. The airline operates 407 routes serving exactly 99 destinations across 29 countries. Its domestic network includes Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kochi, Goa and Kozhikode, while international services reach cities such as Singapore, Dubai and New York. Domestic flights also feed long-haul departures, particularly through New Delhi and Mumbai.
Air India's operational records include Boeing 787-8 aircraft, represented by the 788 code, alongside Airbus A319, A320 and A321 family equipment. Other aircraft designations associated with its route records include 74H, ATR, Airbus A330 variants, Airbus A340 variants and the Airbus A380-800, including equipment used within broader operating arrangements. Economy and Business Class are central to the product, while Premium Economy and First Class are available on selected aircraft and routes.
Air India has been a member of Star Alliance since 2014, enabling eligible passengers to connect across the alliance network and receive reciprocal benefits. Its frequent-flyer programme is Maharaja Club, which replaced the Flying Returns identity. Members can earn and redeem points on eligible Air India and partner journeys. Depending on tier, itinerary and operating carrier, benefits may include priority airport services, lounge access and additional baggage allowances.
A key strength is Air India's ability to combine extensive Indian coverage with nonstop international services, including Mumbai to New York, its longest route at about 12,546 km nonstop. The carrier is investing in aircraft, cabins, technology and airport services, but travellers may still find variation between flights during the transformation. Seating, entertainment and service standards can differ by aircraft, so checking the scheduled equipment, cabin layout and fare conditions before booking is advisable.
Good to know
Flying with Air India — what to expect
Check Your Aircraft
Cabin interiors and amenities can vary across Air India's fleet and operating arrangements. Review the aircraft type and seat map before selecting a seat, while allowing for possible operational substitutions.
Baggage Rules Vary
Cabin and checked-baggage allowances depend on the route, cabin, fare family and loyalty status. Use the allowance printed on your booking, especially when another carrier operates part of the itinerary.
New Delhi Connections
New Delhi is Air India's principal connecting hub. Leave sufficient time for immigration, security, baggage formalities and any terminal movement when transferring between domestic and international flights.
Cabin Availability
Economy and Business Class are widely offered, but Premium Economy and First Class are limited to selected aircraft and routes. Confirm the exact cabin product during booking.
Alliance Benefits
Eligible Star Alliance frequent flyers may receive lounge access, priority handling or additional baggage. Benefits depend on status, itinerary and the airline operating each flight.
Document Checks
Online check-in may be available, but international passengers can still require in-person passport, visa or transit-document verification. Arrive early enough to complete these checks.
Network overview
Where Air India flies
Air India operates 407 routes to 99 destinations across 29 countries, its longest sector reaching Mumbai to New York (12,546 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Air India flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Mumbai → New York
12,546 km · BOM → EWR
The longest sector in the Air India network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air India
Tracked Air India routes touch Japan, United States, Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Thailand, India, South Korea.
LAX - NRTLos Angeles → Tokyo10h 34m8,753 kmNRT - LAXTokyo → Los Angeles10h 34m8,753 kmLHR - JFKLondon → New York6h 52m5,541 kmKUL - SINKuala Lumpur → Singapore0h 50m297 kmSIN - KULSingapore → Kuala Lumpur0h 50m297 kmJFK - LHRNew York → London6h 52m5,541 kmBKK - SINBangkok → Singapore2h 8m1,416 kmSIN - BKKSingapore → Bangkok2h 8m1,416 kmBLR - MAABengaluru → Chennai0h 48m266 kmBOM - MAAMumbai → Chennai1h 41m1,034 kmMAA - BOMChennai → Mumbai1h 41m1,034 kmICN - SFOSeoul → San Francisco10h 57m9,086 kmNRT - SINTokyo → Singapore6h 40m5,358 kmSFO - ICNSan Francisco → Seoul10h 57m9,086 kmSIN - NRTSingapore → Tokyo6h 40m5,358 kmMore from India
Other airlines based in India
FAQ
Air India — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Air India's primary and busiest departure hub is New Delhi. Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad follow as its other busiest departure airports by route count.
- Air India's busiest departure airports, ordered by number of routes, are New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. New Delhi is the airline's primary connecting hub.
- Air India serves domestic cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kochi, Goa and Kozhikode. Its international network includes destinations such as Singapore, Dubai and New York.
- Air India flies to exactly 99 destinations across 29 countries. It operates 407 routes across its domestic and international network.
- Air India's carry-on allowance varies according to cabin, fare, route and operating carrier. Passengers should check the baggage terms attached to their ticket for the applicable size and weight limits.
- Air India's longest route is Mumbai to New York, covering about 12,546 km nonstop. Schedules and operating dates should be checked before booking.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Air India fares are often lower on off-peak dates and when booked before demand rises. Compare nearby travel dates and avoid major festivals, public holidays and school breaks when possible.