Air India Returns to Italian Capital: Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Rome
Air India has commenced its non-stop service between Delhi and Rome-Fiumicino Airport, marking its return to the Italian capital after a hiatus of nearly six years. With this launch, the airline adds its eighth destination in Continental Europe, strengthening connectivity between South Asia and the Mediterranean.
Air India’s Return to the Italian Capital
The inaugural flight, AI123, departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Wednesday, March 25, landing at Rome-Fiumicino later that same afternoon.
This new route makes Rome Air India’s second destination in Italy, joining its existing operations in Milan. With this move, the carrier’s Continental European network now includes eight strategic points: Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Rome, Vienna, and Zurich.
Operational Details and Fleet
Air India will operate this route four times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) utilizing Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The aircraft configuration is designed to offer a premium long-haul experience:
- Business Class: 18 fully flat beds.
- Economy Class: 241 spacious seats.
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Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, highlighted that travel demand between India and Europe continues to grow in both the leisure and business segments, driven by deep-rooted cultural and commercial ties between the two nations.
Flight Schedule: Delhi – Rome
| Flight | Route | Departure (Local) | Arrival (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI123 | Delhi – Rome | 13:15 | 18:55 |
| AI122 | Rome – Delhi | 20:50 | 09:00 (+1) |
Boosting Bilateral Trade and Tourism
The reactivation of this direct link responds to robust growth in bilateral relations. In 2025, trade between India and Italy exceeded $14 billion, supported by sectors such as engineering, automotive, fashion, and design.
Furthermore, Italy is home to one of the largest Indian communities in Continental Europe, with over 200,000 people of Indian origin. This demographic ensures consistent demand for VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) and cultural travel.
This relaunch not only reduces travel times between the two historic capitals but also positions Air India as a key player in the expanding exchange network between Europe and Asia’s emerging economies.
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Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.