The world of air travel is constantly evolving, and the resumption of direct flights between major cities is a strong sign of this. Air India, a major player in the air transport industry, is reaffirming its European ambitions by relaunching its direct flights between Delhi and Rome. This new route, suspended since the global pandemic, marks a significant turning point for exchanges between India and Italy, promising to revitalize tourism, business and cultural ties.
A strategic reconnection between India and Italy
From March 25, 2026, travelers will once again be able to enjoy non-stop flights between Delhi's LIndira Gandhi airport and Rome's Fiumicino LLeonardo da Vinci airport. Air India will operate four weekly rotations, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, on board modern Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. These aircraft, configured with 18 seats in Business class and 238 in Economy class, will offer optimum comfort for this long-haul route.
Flight AI123 will leave Delhi at 13:15 and land in Rome at 18:55, while return flight AI122 will leave at 20:50 and arrive in Delhi at 09:00 the following day. Bookings are already open, testifying to the keen interest in this resumption. Air India is now in direct competition with ITA Airways on this promising route.
Air India's European expansion: a bold strategy
With the addition of Rome, Air India brings to eight the number of destinations served in Europe. This expansion strengthens the company's presence on the continent, alongside key cities such as Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Copenhagen and Vienna. Italy, the company's second European destination, confirms its strategic importance.
Nipun AggarwalAir India's Chief Commercial Officer, underlined the importance of this reconnection: " Connecting India to an ever-increasing number of global destinations remains our priority. Italy has historic cultural, business and trade links with India, making Rome a natural addition to our European network."
An ambitious transformation plan for Air India
This relaunch is part of Air India's vast transformation plan, initiated following its takeover by the Air India group. Tata Sons in 2022. The Indian airline is actively modernizing its fleet and strengthening its Delhi hub to become a key player on routes between Asia and Europe.
On the Italian side, Ivan BassatoChief Aviation Officer ofAeroporti di Romawelcomed the initiative: " A strategic development that supports the expected growth in long-haul markets by 2026. This route meets growing demand in key traffic segments, and contributes to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Italy and India."
Stronger economic and cultural ties
Italy is one of India's major trading partners in Europe, with trade in excess of 15 billion dollars in 2024. The presence of a large Indian community in Italy, estimated at over 200,000 people, and the growing appeal of Italy's artistic and gastronomic heritage to Indian tourists, are naturally fuelling demand for this direct link.
Easier connections to Southeast Asia
The flight schedules between Delhi and Rome have been designed to offer seamless connections to many destinations in Europe. Southeast Asia. Travellers can easily reach Bangkok, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket and SingaporeThis will consolidate Delhi's role as a major international hub.
The resumption of direct Delhi-Rome flights by Air India is not just a new route; it's a symbol of the renewed dynamism of international trade and an invitation to rediscover the deep ties between India and Italy.
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