Air India, the national airline of India, is one of the oldest and most reputed airlines, known for connecting a large volume of passengers to primary domestic and international destinations. With its wide-reaching network, modern fleet, and customer-focused services, Air India continues to play a vital role in connecting India with the world. Air India offers convenient routes that are designed to meet travel needs. In this blog, we understand some of the most popular routes of Air India flights, both within India and across international skies.
India’s domestic air transportation sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and Air India ensures strong connectivity between major cities. The most popular domestic routes are:
New Delhi to Mumbai: The New Delhi to Mumbai flight route is one of India's busiest, connecting the capital of India, New Delhi, with its economic hub, Mumbai. Air India serves various aircraft on this route daily, serving business executives, tourists, and government officials. It is a popular option due to its convenient schedules and high frequency.
New Delhi to Bangalore: As Bangalore is India’s technology hub, there is always significant travel demand between New Delhi to Bengaluru flight. Air India services this sector with multiple flights, ensuring seamless travel for IT professionals, corporate leaders, and students.
Mumbai to Bangalore: Another high-demand domestic route, Mumbai to Bangalore flight, connects two powerful economic centres. Air India’s services here are particularly popular among business travellers.
New Delhi to Hyderabad: This route connects New Delhi with the city of pearls, Hyderabad, which is a growing hub for the pharmaceutical and IT industries. Air India ensures frequent flights for both corporate and leisure travellers.
New Delhi to Kolkata: Air India maintains strong connectivity between New Delhi to Kolkata flight, one of India’s cultural capitals. During festive seasons like Durga Puja, this route witnesses exceptionally high passenger demand.
Air India is equally renowned for its global reach, offering non-stop and one-step flights to destinations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Here are some of the most popular international routes.
New Delhi to London: One of Air India's flagship international routes, New Delhi - London connects India with the UK, serving both business travellers and a large Indian community. With non-stop flights and premium services, this route remains in high demand year-round.
Mumbai to Dubai: Dubai is a top destination for both business and leisure travellers. The Mumbai-Dubai route is especially significant, as it caters to corporate passengers, expatriates, and tourists heading to the UAE.
New Delhi to Toronto: Air India’s New Delhi-Toronto service is particularly popular among the Indian diaspora in Canada. Offering a direct connection between the two countries, this route saves travellers time and provides seamless access to Canada’s vibrant cities.
New Delhi to Paris: The New Delhi-Paris route connects India with France’s capital hub of culture, fashion, and business. Air India’s services on this route are widely used by tourists and professionals alike.
New Delhi to Bangkok: Bangkok continues to be a favoured destination for Indian tourists. Air India’s frequent flights on this route make it a top choice for leisure travellers seeking a short international getaway.
The popularity of these routes can be connected to several factors.
Business Travel Demand: Connecting India’s major economic hubs with the world.
Tourism: Routes to cultural and leisure destinations see steady growth.
Diaspora Connections: Flights to cities like Toronto and London cater to millions of Indians living abroad.
Convenience: Non-stop or frequent services make Air India a more attractive choice.
Suggested Read: Air India Baggage Policy in 2025: Know Your Limits & Avoid Extra Charges
1. What are the most popular domestic routes of Air India?
Air India's most popular domestic routes include flights from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Jaipur, catering to high-traffic business and tourist destinations across India.
2. Which is the busiest Air India domestic route?
The busiest Air India domestic route is typically Delhi to Mumbai. This route serves as a significant business and travel corridor, with high demand due to its commercial, financial, and tourism significance.
3. Does Air India operate direct flights between Delhi and Mumbai?
Yes, Air India operates several non-stop flights daily between these routes.
4. What are Air India’s most popular international routes?
Air India’s most popular international routes include New Delhi to Dubai, Mumbai to Dubai, and New Delhi to Toronto, driven by strong demand from business travellers and the Indian diaspora.
5. Does Air India connect Delhi with Toronto directly?
Yes, Air India operates direct non-stop flights between Delhi and Toronto, providing a convenient connection for passengers, primarily serving the large Indian diaspora and business travellers between the two cities.
6. Why is the Delhi-Toronto route popular?
The Delhi–Toronto route is popular due to strong ties between India and Canada, a large Indian diaspora in Toronto, growing business connections, and high demand for tourism and family visits.
7. How many flights does Air India operate daily on Delhi-Mumbai?
Air India operates approximately 24 daily flights on the Delhi-Mumbai route, making it one of the busiest domestic routes in India, which caters to high passenger demand for business, leisure, and transit travel.
8. Are international routes served with wide-body aircraft?
Yes, Air India serves most international routes with a wide range of aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner, offering greater capacity, a longer range, and enhanced comfort for long-haul international travel.
9. Does Air India provide premium cabins on these routes?
Yes, Air India offers premium cabins on international routes, including Business Class and First Class on select aircraft, featuring lie-flat seats, enhanced dining, priority services, and lounge access.
10. Can I book non-stop Air India flights to the US?
Yes, Air India operates non-stop flights to New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
11. Do festive seasons affect fares on these routes?
Yes, festive seasons like Diwali and Christmas typically cause airfare spikes on Air India’s international routes due to increased demand, limited seat availability, and travellers planning holidays or family visits.
12. Why choose Air India for popular routes?
Choose Air India for its popular routes due to its extensive network, direct flights, wide-body aircraft comfort, premium cabins, strong safety record, and reliable service, which connects major domestic and international destinations.
13. Do international routes offer in-flight entertainment?
Yes, Air India offers in-flight entertainment on international routes, featuring movies, TV shows, music, and interactive maps through its Vista system and wireless streaming service for a comfortable travel experience.
14. Does Air India provide student discounts on these routes?
Yes, Air India offers student discounts on both domestic and international routes. Eligible students can avail up to 10% off on base fares, 10 kg extra baggage allowance, and a one-time free date change. These benefits apply to Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class bookings made through Air India's official website or mobile app.
15. Is it possible to upgrade seats on busy routes?
Yes, depending on availability, Air India offers seat upgrades on popular routes via the Upgrade program, airport check-in, or preferred seat selection. Usually, payment is required in advance or at the airport.
