DELHI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) will expand its domestic network in the Northern Winter Schedule 2026 with new flights to Khajuraho Airport (HJR), Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), and add services to Gaya Airport (GAY). The expansion improves connectivity from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL), and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM).
Starting 25 October 2026, Air India (AI) will launch daily flights linking Delhi (DEL), Khajuraho (HJR), and Varanasi (VNS), alongside a new daily Mumbai (BOM) to Jaisalmer (JSA) service. The airline will also increase frequencies between Delhi (DEL) and Gaya (GAY) to strengthen access to key heritage and spiritual destinations.
Air India Expands Domestic Connectivity
Air India’s Northern Winter Schedule 2026 focuses on improving access to culturally significant destinations across India. The airline will introduce a triangular routing connecting Delhi, Khajuraho, and Varanasi, allowing travelers to visit both destinations within a single itinerary.
Khajuraho is known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex, while Varanasi remains one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major spiritual center in India.
The new flights allow passengers to combine both destinations conveniently while connecting through Delhi to international routes.
These flights also support inbound tourism by providing easier access for international travelers arriving in Delhi from Europe, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
Delhi–Khajuraho–Varanasi Triangular Flight Operations
Air India will operate the Delhi–Khajuraho–Varanasi service daily using a rotating triangular route. This schedule allows passengers to visit both cities in a flexible order depending on travel preference.
Flight routing pattern
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays
- Delhi (DEL) to Khajuraho (HJR)
- Khajuraho (HJR) to Varanasi (VNS)
- Varanasi (VNS) to Delhi (DEL)
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
- Delhi (DEL) to Varanasi (VNS)
- Varanasi (VNS) to Khajuraho (HJR)
- Khajuraho (HJR) to Delhi (DEL)
This circuit supports a popular tourism route that combines the temple architecture of Khajuraho with the spiritual heritage of Varanasi.
Delhi–Khajuraho–Varanasi Flight Schedule
Effective 25 October 2026
| Flight | Sector | Departure | Arrival | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI2568 | Delhi–Khajuraho | 13:25 | 14:40 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| AI2568 | Khajuraho–Varanasi | 15:30 | 16:15 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| AI2568 | Varanasi–Delhi | 17:05 | 18:30 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| AI2567 | Delhi–Varanasi | 13:25 | 14:50 | Tue, Thu, Sat |
| AI2567 | Varanasi–Khajuraho | 15:40 | 16:25 | Tue, Thu, Sat |
| AI2567 | Khajuraho–Delhi | 17:15 | 18:30 | Tue, Thu, Sat |
All times are local.
Mumbai–Jaisalmer Seasonal Route
Air India will launch a daily non-stop service between Mumbai (BOM) and Jaisalmer (JSA) from 25 October 2026. The route targets the peak winter tourism season in Rajasthan when Jaisalmer attracts visitors for its desert landscape, heritage forts, and cultural festivals.
The new service complements the airline’s existing Delhi (DEL) to Jaisalmer (JSA) flights and provides travelers from western India direct access to the destination.
Mumbai–Jaisalmer Flight Schedule
Effective 25 October 2026
| Flight | Sector | Departure | Arrival | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI2563 | Mumbai–Jaisalmer | 10:00 | 11:40 | Daily |
| AI2564 | Jaisalmer–Mumbai | 12:50 | 14:30 | Daily |
Increased Delhi–Gaya Frequencies
Air India will also increase capacity between Delhi (DEL) and Gaya (GAY) by adding an additional daily frequency. The new schedule provides both morning and afternoon departure options, improving travel flexibility for passengers.
Gaya is an important gateway for Buddhist pilgrimage tourism, with Bodh Gaya attracting international visitors year-round.
Delhi–Gaya Flight Schedule
Effective 25 October 2026
| Flight | Sector | Departure | Arrival | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI2561 | Delhi–Gaya | 07:45 | 09:15 | Daily |
| AI2562 | Gaya–Delhi | 10:00 | 11:25 | Daily |
| AI429 | Delhi–Gaya | 15:00 | 16:40 | Daily |
| AI430 | Gaya–Delhi | 17:15 | 18:45 | Daily |
Strengthening International Connectivity
The new routes are timed to support onward connections through Delhi for passengers arriving from major global markets.
Travelers from cities such as London Heathrow (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Bali Denpasar (DPS), Seoul Incheon (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), and Tokyo Haneda (HND) can connect easily to Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Gaya.
This improved connectivity strengthens India’s position in cultural, spiritual, and heritage tourism itineraries.
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