DELHI- Tata-owned full-service carrier Air India (AI) has announced a series of adjustments to its international route network as part of its Northern Summer 2025 schedule, effective March 30, 2025. The changes include additional frequencies on key routes, particularly to the United Kingdom, Europe, Far East Asia, and Africa, while some routes will be temporarily suspended due to ongoing fleet refurbishment.
As part of its modernization efforts, Air India is upgrading its widebody aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777, to enhance passenger experience with new seats and improved in-flight entertainment systems. These changes will help strengthen the airline’s global presence and improve service quality.
Photo: Clément AlloingAir India International Network
Air India is adding more flights on several high-demand routes, improving connectivity and catering to growing passenger demand. Europe will see the highest additions.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom will see the highest amount of growth among all other countries. Air India will add significant capacity to various United Kingdom airports.
- Delhi – London Heathrow: Air India will add an additional 3x weekly flights between London Heathrow and Delhi. This will increase the total capacity in the sector from 3x daily flights (21x) to 24x weekly flights. The flights will operate by the A350-900 and former Vistara B787-9 aircraft.
- Ahmedabad-London Gatwick: Air India will increase from in Ahmedabad and London -Gatwick route by 2x weekly, boosting the total frequency from 3x to 5x weekly flights.
Amritsar is set to benefit from increased connectivity to the UK. The airline will boost frequencies on two of the UK routes from Amritsar:
- Amritsar – Birmingham: The frequency of the flights increases by one weekly, expanding from 3x to 4x weekly flights.
- Amritsar – London Gatwick: Amritsar-London Gatwick service will also expand from 3x to 4x weekly flights.
Image courtesy of Planespotters.net/Europe
Apart from the United Kingdom, Air India plans to add additional frequencies to various other European airports.
- Delhi – Zurich: Air India will add one more flight each week, increasing from 4x to 5x weekly flights.
- Delhi – Vienna: Air India will expand Delhi-Vienna operations with one additional flight, increasing the frequency from 3x to 4x weekly flights.
Far East Asia
- Delhi – Seoul (Incheon): frequency increases from 4x to 5x weekly flights.
- Delhi – Hong Kong: upgrading from the A321 to the 787-8 Dreamliner for 7x weekly flights, offering a more comfortable travel experience.
Africa
- Delhi – Nairobi: Increasing from 3x to 4x weekly flights, strengthening business and tourism ties between India and Kenya.
Aircraft Refurbishment and Modernization
Photo: Robin HardyAir India is undergoing a major fleet modernization. The airline announced important updates regarding the same. This includes:
- Completion of narrowbody aircraft upgrades by mid-2025.
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner retrofit beginning in April 2025, with upgraded aircraft re-entering service by October 2025. The airline plans to upgrade 2-3 Dreamliners per month until all 27 legacy aircraft have been modernized.
- Boeing 777 fleet retrofit was delayed to early 2026 due to seat production constraints, though partial interior refurbishments will be completed in 2025.
Temporary Route Suspensions
Due to the refurbishment program and temporary aircraft shortages, Air India will suspend the following routes:
- Mumbai – Melbourne: 3 times a week flights suspended from March 30th to September 13, 2025.
- Kochi – London Gatwick: The 3 times a week flights suspended indefinitely from March 30th, 2025.
Despite the Kochi suspension, Air India will continue to operate 12x weekly flights to London Gatwick from Amritsar, Ahmedabad, and Goa.
Photo: Air IndiaConclusion
Air India’s latest network adjustments highlight its continued focus on strengthening Delhi as a major international hub. Delhi will see increased frequencies to key destinations in Europe, the UK, and Asia.
While Delhi sees notable growth, other cities like Mumbai and Kochi face temporary reductions due to the ongoing fleet refurbishment. The suspension of the Mumbai-Melbourne and other routes reflects the airline’s prioritization of network efficiency during this transition.
The planned upgrades to aircraft interiors and in-flight services will enhance Air India’s competitiveness Despite these temporary setbacks, passengers can expect a more modern and comfortable travel experience.
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Air India to Expand international Flights from March 2025
The post Air India Adjusts International Network NS 2025 Amid Aircraft Refurbishment appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
