DELHI– Air India (AI) has announced the launch of two new international routes aimed at strengthening its presence across Asia. The airline will introduce nonstop flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), expanding its growing network in Southeast Asia.
The airline will also begin operating a new long-haul route from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). These additions highlight Air India’s strategy to increase connectivity between India and key Asian markets as travel demand continues to rise.
Air India’s New Delhi-Hanoi Route
Air India will begin nonstop flights between Delhi and Hanoi starting May 1, 2026. The service will operate five times a week and will complement the airline’s existing daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
The new route provides travelers with greater flexibility when visiting Vietnam. Passengers can now plan open-jaw itineraries, allowing them to arrive in Hanoi and depart from Ho Chi Minh City, or the reverse.
Air India will deploy its Airbus A320neo aircraft on this route. The aircraft offers Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins, along with modern cabin interiors designed for improved passenger comfort.
The new Delhi–Hanoi service will add more than 7,000 seats per month between India and Vietnam. This additional capacity strengthens Air India’s ability to support both leisure and business travel between the two countries.
Flights from Hanoi will also connect conveniently with Air India’s broader domestic and international network. Travelers will be able to access destinations across India, the United Kingdom, and several European cities through Delhi.
Air India’s Mumbai-Tokyo Flights
Air India will launch a new nonstop service between Mumbai and Tokyo Haneda beginning June 15, 2026. The airline will operate the route four times per week using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
The flight schedule allows overnight travel from Mumbai to Tokyo, with departures at 4:50 pm and arrivals in Japan early the next morning. Return flights will depart Tokyo in the morning and reach Mumbai in the afternoon.
This new route expands Air India’s presence in Japan and complements the airline’s existing Delhi–Tokyo Haneda services. The carrier recently increased that route’s frequency to daily operations.
Air India also upgraded the aircraft used on the Delhi–Tokyo route to the Boeing 787-9. The updated aircraft features refreshed cabin interiors and introduces Premium Economy seating for the first time on the service.
Passengers traveling to Japan will benefit from upgraded inflight entertainment systems, Wi-Fi connectivity, and redesigned onboard meal offerings.
Air India’s Asia Network Growth
Air India’s expansion into Vietnam and Japan reflects rising demand for travel between India and Asia. The airline has steadily strengthened its regional network as tourism and business travel recover across the region.
Japan has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for Indian travelers in recent years. Tourism data shows that more than 315,000 Indian visitors traveled to Japan in 2025, representing strong growth compared with previous years.
Vietnam has also seen significant growth in visitor numbers due to its expanding tourism industry and increasing corporate travel demand. The country welcomed more than 20 million international visitors in 2025, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.
Air India’s partnership with All Nippon Airways also strengthens connectivity beyond Tokyo. Travelers arriving at Haneda can connect to cities such as Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo.
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