Air India to Resume Direct Flights Between Delhi and Rome Starting March 2026
Air India has announced the resumption of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome, marking its return to the Italian capital after an absence of nearly six years. Services had remained suspended since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their return represents a new step in the airline’s expansion within Europe.
This direct connection will strengthen the Indian carrier’s international network and expand travel options for both passengers from India and those traveling from Italy to Asia.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, emphasized that international connectivity remains a strategic priority for the company. He noted that India and Italy share deep ties in culture, commerce, and business activity, factors that make Rome a natural addition to the group’s expanding network.
According to Aggarwal, the non-stop flight not only strengthens the direct link between the two capitals but also offers Italian travelers greater alternatives and seamless connections via the Delhi hub to destinations in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Start of Operations and Weekly Frequency
The route will commence operations on March 25, 2026, coinciding with the European spring season and the start of summer travel planning. Air India will offer four weekly frequencies between Delhi and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport — Fiumicino.
Flights will be scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, providing a balanced offering for both leisure and business travelers. From Italy, passengers will have direct access to the Indian capital as well as multiple connecting alternatives to other Asian destinations.
Aircraft Assigned and Cabin Configuration
The service will be operated with the Boeing 787-8, a model designed for long-haul flights. The aircraft will feature 18 fully reclining bed seats in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy Class, combining comfort, functionality, and the airline’s signature hospitality.
This configuration aims to cater to different passenger profiles, maintaining a balance between capacity, efficiency, and the onboard experience.
Market Context Between India and Italy
Italy is among India’s key trading partners in Europe. Passenger traffic between the two nations continues to grow, driven by a large Indian community residing in Italy and by the increasing interest of Indian travelers in the art, history, cuisine, and cultural experiences of the European country.
This scenario makes the Delhi-Rome route a strategic connection from both a tourism and economic standpoint.
Additional Connectivity via the Delhi Hub
Flight schedules have been designed to facilitate efficient connections from Delhi to other international destinations. Among the available cities are Bangkok, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket, and Singapore, significantly expanding travel possibilities from Italy to Asia.
With the addition of Rome, Air India will serve eight destinations in continental Europe and three points in the United Kingdom, solidifying its positioning in the long-haul European market.
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