Air India Adds fresh regular Flight to 2nd Busiest global Airport in the World

dailyblitz.de 2 hours ago

DELHI— Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has increased capacity on the Delhi – London Heathrow (LHR) route for the Northern Winter 2025/26 season. Instead of the initially planned three daily services, the airline will operate four daily flights between 26 October 2025 and 28 March 2026.

The route will be served with a mix of Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft, strengthening Air India’s presence on one of its most competitive long-haul markets. This change underscores the airline’s ongoing fleet modernization and international expansion strategy.

Air India Boosts Delhi to London Flights

Air India (AI) has upgraded its Delhi (DEL) to London Heathrow (LHR) operations by adding a fourth daily frequency for the winter 2025/26 season, reported Aeroroutes.

The schedule update marks a step forward in the carrier’s plan to enhance connectivity between India and the United Kingdom, a high-demand corridor that consistently sees strong business and leisure traffic.

The airline will operate two services with the Airbus A350-900 and two with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This combination offers a balance between efficiency and passenger comfort.

The A350-900 is Air India’s newest long-haul aircraft type, featuring upgraded cabins, while the 787-9 remains a core part of its international fleet.

Updated Winter 2025/26 Schedule

The revised timetable for Delhi (DEL) – London Heathrow (LHR) is as follows:

Delhi to London Heathrow:

AI161: DEL 0125 – 0635 LHR | A350-900 | Daily
AI111: DEL 0615 – 1130 LHR | A350-900 | Daily
AI2017: DEL 1410 – 1925 LHR | Boeing 787-9 | Daily
AI2015: DEL 1515 – 2030 LHR | Boeing 787-9 | Daily

London Heathrow to Delhi:

AI162: LHR 0845 – 2345 DEL | A350-900 | Daily
AI112: LHR 1300 – 0400+1 DEL | A350-900 | Daily
AI2018: LHR 2105 – 1205+1 DEL | Boeing 787-9 | Daily
AI2016: LHR 2200 – 1300+1 DEL | Boeing 787-9 | Daily

Significance of the Route

Delhi (DEL) to London Heathrow (LHR) is one of Air India’s most strategically important routes. It connects two major global hubs, serving high volumes of corporate, student, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic.

London remains a key European gateway for India, and the expanded schedule places Air India in a stronger competitive position against other carriers such as British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic (VS).

By increasing daily capacity, Air India is not only addressing passenger demand but also enhancing cargo capacity between India and the UK, a segment that continues to grow with strong trade ties.

The deployment of both the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 reflects Air India’s balanced approach to fleet utilization.

The A350-900 offers improved fuel efficiency and upgraded premium cabins, including a new business class product, while the 787-9 continues to deliver reliable performance on long-haul routes. This mix allows the airline to maximize flexibility while ensuring consistent service standards.

Competitive Landscape

The India–UK market is highly competitive, with carriers including British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic (VS) also operating multiple frequencies.

With this move, Air India reinforces its position as the largest Indian operator on the route, providing passengers more options in terms of timing and connectivity.

Other International Route Changes

Air India (AI) has filed preliminary adjustments to its long-haul network for the Northern Winter 2025/26 season, effective from October 26, 2025. The changes as flagged by Aeroroutes include reduced frequencies on several intercontinental routes from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Ahmedabad (AMD), and Amritsar (ATQ).

While most reductions align with the airline’s schedule trends between August and October 2025, certain routes also see aircraft swaps. At the same time, Air India (AI) is boosting regional capacity, with Mumbai (BOM) to Mauritius (MRU) upgraded to daily service.

Route Adjustments and Frequency Cuts

The winter schedule reflects a measured scaling back of Air India’s (AI) operations on key North American and European routes.

Ahmedabad (AMD) – London Gatwick (LGW): Reduced from 5 to 3 weekly flights, operated by Boeing 787-8.
Amritsar (ATQ) – Birmingham (BHX): Reduced from 4 to 3 weekly, using Boeing 787-8.
Amritsar (ATQ) – London Gatwick (LGW): Reduced from 4 to 3 weekly, operated by Boeing 787-8.
Delhi (DEL) – Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Reduced from 7 to 4 weekly, using Boeing 777-300ER (previously filed in earlier updates).
Delhi (DEL) – Copenhagen (CPH): Reduced from 5 to 4 weekly, Boeing 787-8.
Delhi (DEL) – Milan Malpensa (MXP): Reduced from 7 to 6 weekly, Boeing 787-8.
Delhi (DEL) – Newark (EWR): Reduced from 5 to 4 weekly, Airbus A350-900.
Delhi (DEL) – New York JFK (JFK): Reduced from 7 to 6 weekly, Airbus A350-900.
Delhi (DEL) – Zurich (ZRH): Reduced from 5 to 4 weekly, Boeing 787-8.
Mumbai (BOM) – New York JFK (JFK): Reduced from 7 to 6 weekly, Boeing 777-300ER.

Several previously suspended routes remain unchanged. Delhi (DEL) to Nairobi (NBO) continues without service, and no reinstatement has been filed.

Aircraft Swaps and Operational Changes

Alongside frequency adjustments, Air India (AI) is making equipment changes on select routes to balance demand and operating efficiency.

Delhi (DEL) – Denpasar (DPS): Airbus A321neo replaces Boeing 787-9, operated daily.
Mumbai (BOM) – Frankfurt (FRA): Boeing 787-8 replaces 787-9, maintaining five weekly flights.

These swaps reflect the airline’s effort to match aircraft size with route performance while maintaining presence in high-demand markets.

Not all changes involve cuts. Air India (AI) is strengthening regional connectivity on the Indian Ocean route: