As Indian carriers steadily rebuild and expand their long-haul networks, Europe is once again emerging as a strategic focus area. For the travel trade, restored non-stop connectivity to key European capitals not only signals confidence in sustained demand but also creates fresh opportunities across leisure, VFR and onward regional traffic flows.
Air India has announced the resumption of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome, marking its return to the Italian capital after nearly six years. The airline’s services to Rome had remained suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning 25 March 2026, Air India will operate four flights a week between Delhi and Rome (Fiumicino – Leonardo da Vinci International Airport), offering travellers direct connectivity between the two capital cities while strengthening India–Europe air links. The route is being relaunched in time for spring and summer travel to Europe.
The service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, configured with 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy Class.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, 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 greater choice and seamless onward connections via our Delhi hub to vibrant destinations across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.”
From a trade perspective, the resumed service is expected to support both outbound Indian leisure travel to Europe and inbound traffic from Italy. Travellers from Italy will gain access not only to Delhi but also to multiple onward destinations across South Asia and Southeast Asia via Air India’s hub.
Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer, Aeroporti di Roma, 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.”
Italy remains one of India’s largest trading partners in Europe, with passenger traffic between the two countries continuing to rise, supported by a sizeable Indian community in Italy and growing interest among Indian travellers in Italian culture, cuisine and experiences.
With the addition of Rome, Air India will serve eight destinations in mainland Europe and three in the United Kingdom. Bookings for the Delhi–Rome service are being progressively opened across all sales channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, contact centres, airport ticketing offices and through travel agents worldwide.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
