NEW DELHI- Today, on March 25, 2026, Tata Group-owned full-service carrier, Air India (AI), has resumed non-stop flights between Delhi (DEL) and Rome (FCO) after almost six years.
Gurugram-based airline will operate four weekly flights, improving direct access between Delhi (DEL) and Rome (FCO) while offering onward connections across Asia.
Air India Restarts Rome Flights
Air India’s return to Rome marks a strategic expansion of its European network. The route had remained suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic, and its reinstatement reflects steady recovery in international travel demand.
Flights will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The airline has deployed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft (for the inauguration flight, it deployed VT-ANK), configured with 18 Business Class flat beds and 238 Economy Class seats. This configuration supports both premium and leisure travel demand on the route.
The schedule is structured to provide efficient connectivity. Passengers travelling from Italy can access multiple destinations across India and Southeast Asia via Delhi. Key onward destinations include Bangkok, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket, and Singapore.
Due to the closure of multiple airspaces, such as Pakistan, Iran, and other Middle Eastern regions, the Air India flight will take a longer route.
The aircraft is airborne at the time of writing this post, and you can track the flight here: https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/vt-ank#3ee76540
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
Air India has published a structured schedule for the Delhi–Rome route, ensuring consistency for travellers planning long-haul journeys.
From 25 to 27 March 2026:
- AI123: Delhi to Rome | Departure 13:15 | Arrival 18:00
- AI122: Rome to Delhi | Departure 19:50 | Arrival 09:00 (+1)
From 29 March 2026 onwards:
- AI123: Delhi to Rome | Departure 13:15 | Arrival 18:55
- AI122: Rome to Delhi | Departure 20:50 | Arrival 09:00 (+1)
All timings are local, with next-day arrival indicated where applicable.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, during the announcement of the resumption of service, said:
Connecting India to more of the world remains one of our top priorities. India and Italy share deep-rooted commonalities in culture, business, and trade, which makes Rome a natural addition to Air India’s expanding network. This non-stop service not only augments direct connectivity between the two capital cities but also offers travellers from Italy a greater choice and seamless onward connections via our Delhi hub to vibrant destinations across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.”
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India
Also, Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer, Aeroporti di Roma, earlier said:
The resumption of Air India’s services to Rome, with direct flights to Delhi, marks a strategically important development that reinforces expectations of continued growth in long-haul markets in 2026. This new service addresses growing demand across key traffic segments, further strengthening economic and cultural ties between Italy and India and broadening opportunities for exchange between the two countries”.
Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer, Aeroporti di Roma
Strategic Importance for Trade and Tourism
The resumed service aligns with growing economic and cultural ties between India and Italy. Italy remains one of India’s key trading partners in Europe, and passenger demand continues to rise.
The route also caters to a significant Indian diaspora in Italy while supporting tourism growth. Indian travellers show increasing interest in Italy’s heritage, cuisine, and cultural experiences, while Italy benefits from improved inbound travel from India.
Airport authorities in Rome have also highlighted the route’s importance in strengthening long-haul traffic and enhancing connectivity between the two regions.
With the addition of Rome, Air India now serves eight destinations in mainland Europe, along with three in the United Kingdom. This expansion reflects the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its global network and position Delhi as a major international hub.
Rome Travel Guide
Rome is one of Europe’s most historic cities, offering ancient landmarks, world-class art, and an exceptional food culture. Whether visiting for the first time or returning, the city consistently delivers new experiences around every corner.
Travelers can explore iconic sites like the Colosseum and Vatican, discover hidden gems, and enjoy authentic local food through guided tours or independent exploration.
Guide to Exploring Rome’s Top Attractions and Experiences
Booking Local Tours for a Better Experience
Guided tours significantly improve how visitors navigate Rome’s dense concentration of attractions. Platforms like GetYourGuide connect travelers with local hosts who design experiences around authentic, lesser-known spots alongside major landmarks.
Two tours stand out for first-time and returning visitors. The retro Fiat 500 city tour offers a uniquely Italian way to cover Rome’s streets, guided by locals who know the city’s hidden corners. The food tour introduces travelers to the best local Roman eateries, covering multiple neighborhoods in a single outing. Booking these tours in advance is strongly recommended, as popular slots sell out quickly during peak season.
Getting to Rome
Rome is accessible by air, train, and bus. Flights arrive at Fiumicino or Ciampino airports, both connected to the city center via train, bus, or taxi. Italy’s train network efficiently links major cities like Florence directly to Rome, making intercity travel straightforward and comfortable.
Top Landmarks to Visit in Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica sits technically within Vatican City but remains an essential stop for any Rome itinerary. Entry to the Basilica is free, though climbing the Duomo requires a small fee. Visitors should bring cash, as card payments are not accepted. Security queues can be long, particularly during summer midday hours.
The Roman Forum preserves some of the most significant ruins of the Roman Empire, including the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Saturn. Tickets are bundled with Colosseum entry. Those who prefer a free visit can view much of the Forum from Via Dei Fori Imperiali. A guided tour of the Forum adds considerable historical context to the visit.
The Colosseum remains one of Italy’s most recognized landmarks. A guided tour allows visitors to explore the interior grounds, upper levels, and the area beneath the main arena floor. Arriving in the late afternoon helps reduce wait times. Online ticket purchase is available, but does not guarantee immediate entry if the venue reaches its 3,000-person capacity.
The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum require advance ticket booking to avoid lengthy outdoor queues. The complex includes Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam and an extensive collection of ornate sculptures. Allocated time-slot tickets allow visitors to bypass the main line entirely.
The Pantheon has stood for over 2,000 years and now functions as a church. The interior domed ceiling is a highlight. Fast-track entry tickets are available online and strongly recommended to avoid long queues at the door.
Iconic Spots Worth Visiting
The Spanish Steps are conveniently located in the city center and easy to include during a broader walking route. While not the most dramatic attraction in Rome, they offer a pleasant stop and good views of the surrounding area.
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most attractive public squares and a popular spot for an afternoon Aperol Spritz. Food prices around the Piazza run higher than elsewhere, so eating nearby before or after is a practical choice. The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi and its Egyptian obelisk are worth close attention while visiting.
Altare della Patria, constructed in honor of Victor Emmanuel, is a grand monument near the Roman Forum. A lift takes visitors to the top for sweeping city views. Pre-purchasing tickets guarantees entry without waiting.
The Trevi Fountain was built approximately 250 years ago and draws consistent crowds throughout the day. Visitors should avoid sitting on the fountain edge, as this is actively enforced by attendants.
Knights of Malta Keyhole on Aventine Hill offers one of Rome’s most unusual and memorable viewpoints. Peering through the keyhole of this sovereign entity’s building reveals a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Parco Savello, also known as the Orange Garden, provides an elevated panoramic view of Rome and serves as a quiet retreat from the busier tourist areas.
Food and Drink Experiences in Rome
Gelato quality in Rome varies considerably. Authentic gelato is stored in covered cylinders, not mounded in open trays. Natural pistachio gelato is light brown in color. Overly bright green pistachio is a reliable indicator of artificial additives and lower quality. Verde Pistacchio on Via Nazionale is noted as one of the best gelato spots in the city.
La Prosciutteria Trevi is a well-regarded deli near the Trevi Fountain offering wine, prosciutto, cold cuts, cheese boards, and olives. It works well as an end-of-day stop after a full day of sightseeing.
Campo Dei Fiori Food Market is Rome’s oldest food market and a strong destination for food lovers. Local products, including truffle oil, fresh pasta, and cured hams, are widely available. Antica Norcineria Viola, a family-run stall within the market, is a reliable source for quality cured meats.
Forno di Campo de’ Fiori has operated in central Rome for approximately 500 years. It’s Pizza Bianca with sea salt is a classic Roman street food. The herb-dusted potato pizza is a less conventional but popular option worth trying.
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