DELHI- Air India (AI) is evaluating the launch of flights to Adelaide (ADL) or Brisbane (BNE) in 2026 as part of its international network expansion. The proposed route has not been finalised, with the airline currently assessing either Adelaide or Brisbane for its next Australian destination.
The airline currently operates daily flights from Delhi to Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD), its only Australian destinations.
According to sources, the proposed service is expected to be operated using refurbished Boeing 787 aircraft, with the launch timeline depending on the return of aircraft undergoing cabin upgrades.
Air India Evaluates New Australian Destination
Tata Group-owned Air India is planning to strengthen its presence in Australia by evaluating flights to either Adelaide or Brisbane in 2026.
According to sources, the airline is assessing both destinations as part of its medium term international expansion strategy, although no final decision has been announced.
The proposed service is expected to be operated using refurbished Boeing 787 aircraft. However, the launch will depend on the availability of these aircraft after they return from Air India’s ongoing retrofit programme.
According to sources cited by The Hindu Businessline, Air India did not respond to queries regarding the proposed expansion.
Air India currently operates daily nonstop services from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney. These remain the airline’s only destinations in Australia.
The addition of either Adelaide or Brisbane would further expand Air India’s Australian network and strengthen direct air connectivity between India and Australia.
Boeing 787 Retrofit Programme
Air India’s expansion plans are closely linked to its Boeing 787 refurbishment programme.
The retrofit includes:
- New seats across all cabin classes
- Upgraded in flight entertainment systems
- Refreshed cabin interiors
- Renovated lavatories
- Wi Fi connectivity across the Boeing 787 fleet, introduced in line with aircraft availability and network requirements
Two legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are currently undergoing refurbishment in Victorville, United States. These are the first aircraft in the programme and are expected to return to commercial service in March 2026.
According to sources, Air India plans to send two to three Boeing 787 aircraft for refurbishment every month. The airline operates 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft, and the retrofit programme is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
New Wide Body Aircraft to Join Fleet
Air India is expected to receive around five new wide body aircraft during 2026.
According to sources, the deliveries will include Boeing 787 aircraft and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Most of these aircraft are expected to be deployed on ultra long haul routes serving North America and selected European destinations.
This strategy is expected to allow refurbished Boeing 787 aircraft to support network expansion in Australia while newly delivered aircraft operate the airline’s longest international routes.
Upgraded Premium Cabins
Air India plans to introduce its upgraded premium cabin products on routes serving the United States, Australia, Canada and Europe.
The upgraded product includes modern cabin interiors introduced through refurbished and newly inducted aircraft.
Current premium services are already available on selected flights to New York, London and Frankfurt, operated using Boeing 777 aircraft, selected Boeing 787 aircraft and Airbus A350 aircraft.
According to sources, these international markets are expected to be among the first to receive newly delivered aircraft.
Air India’s upgraded long haul fleet currently consists of:
- Six upgraded Boeing 777 aircraft
- Six Airbus A350 aircraft
- Six Boeing 787-9 aircraft previously operated by Vistara
- One brand new Boeing 787-9 delivered last month
Among Air India’s 3 major long haul markets, Australia is expected to be one of the first regions where additional services will be operated using refurbished or upgraded aircraft.
Mumbai and Bengaluru Also Under Consideration
Sources indicated that the proposed Adelaide or Brisbane service may operate from Mumbai or Bengaluru instead of Delhi.
The proposal aligns with Air India’s strategy of strengthening multiple metro hubs and distributing long haul operations beyond the national capital.
Additional International Expansion Plans
Apart from Australia, Air India is also evaluating several international growth opportunities.
According to sources, the airline is assessing:
- New flights to Johannesburg
- New flights to Jakarta
- Higher frequencies to Tokyo
These proposals form part of Air India’s medium term network growth strategy and remain under evaluation.
Fleet Modernization
Air India’s proposed Australia expansion reflects its broader fleet modernisation and international growth strategy.
The return of refurbished Boeing 787 aircraft, the arrival of new wide-body aircraft, and the expansion of premium cabin offerings are expected to support future long-haul route development across Australia, North America, Europe and other international markets.
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