Air India has officially announced that it will relaunch direct non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome from 25 March 2026, six years after the service was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move marks a significant expansion of Air India’s European network, giving travellers a direct option between India’s capital and Italy’s historic capital city just in time for the spring and summer travel season. This service strengthens ties between India and Italy and offers an improved choice for passengers across Asia and Europe.
What’s Happening
Air India is bringing back its Delhi–Rome non-stop flight after the route was paused in 2020 during global travel restrictions. The airline has announced that the service will operate four times a week using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, combining modern comfort with the airline’s signature Indian hospitality.
This relaunch comes as part of Air India’s broader strategy to expand international connectivity, especially between India and key European destinations, making travel easier for both leisure and business passengers.
Who It Affects
- Travelers between India and Italy — direct access without layovers.
- Families, students, and professionals with ties to Italy and Europe.
- Tourists exploring Italy’s art, culture, and history
FlipMyTravel users you’ll soon see this route in our flight planner for efficient itinerary building
This service also benefits passengers from Southeast Asia and other regions who can connect seamlessly via Delhi’s international hub for onward journeys.
Where It Will Operate
The new service will operate between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome, Italy. Rome is a major European hub for culture, tourism, and business, and this relaunch reconnects India with one of its most popular international destinations.
When It Starts
The flights are scheduled to begin on 25 March 2026, with service on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This timing aligns with the beginning of the European spring travel season, offering travellers more options for long-haul journeys throughout the year.
Official Statements
According to the airline’s press release, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal stated that the route’s return strengthens cultural, economic, and travel ties between India and Italy. He emphasised that the service also provides seamless onward connections through Delhi to destinations such as Bangkok, Colombo, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket, and Singapore. Air India
Aeroporti di Roma’s Chief Aviation Officer Ivan Bassato welcomed the move, describing the relaunch as a strategic step to support growth in long-haul travel demand between Europe and Asia.
Flight Schedule & Aircraft
Air India will operate the service four times weekly using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, configured with:
- flat-bed Business Class seats
- 238 Economy Class seats
This aircraft offers modern passenger comfort for long-haul travel.
Sample schedule (local times):
- AI123 Delhi → Rome: Departs 13:15 – Arrives ~18:00
- AI122 Rome → Delhi: Departs ~19:50 – Arrives next day ~09:00
(Exact timings may adjust after March 29) Air India
Strategic Connectivity Impact
With the Rome service added:
- Air India will serve eight destinations in mainland Europe plus the United Kingdom
- The route enhances connectivity for travellers flying from Europe to South and Southeast Asia
- Delhi maintains its role as a global transit hub with easy connections to other international cities
Highlights – At a Glance
- Direct Delhi–Rome flights resume after a six-year gap starting 25 March 2026.
- Four weekly flights operated by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
- Improves India-Italy connectivity and offers onward connections via Delhi.
- Business and Economy Class seating for enhanced comfort.
Activities – What Comes Next
1. Open Bookings
✔ Tickets are already available through the Air India website, app, airport counters, and travel agents.
2. Plan Journeys
✔ FlipMyTravel users can add these flights to integrated itineraries with hotels and local transport.
➡ Plan multi-city or connecting travel via Delhi.
Monitor Seasonal Demand
✔ Expect higher demand during spring and summer, so early bookings are recommended.
Air India will resume non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome from 25 March 2026, reconnecting the two capitals after a six-year break. The service will operate four times a week using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, enhancing India-Italy connectivity and offering seamless onward connections via Delhi to destinations across Asia.
