Air India: 2026 Reviews, Contact, and Practical Information

Air India: The resurgence of a legacy carrier under Tata

Founded on October 15, 1932, by aviation pioneer J.R.D. Tata, Air India (IATA code: AI) serves as the national flag carrier of India. As one of the oldest airlines in Asia, its history is deeply intertwined with the development of Indian civil aviation.

After 69 years of state ownership, the airline was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022. Since then, it has been undergoing a massive transformation under the Vihaan.AI banner, a five-year plan aimed at positioning the airline among the top tier of global carriers.

In November 2024, Air India merged with Vistara, the other full-service carrier within the Tata Group (originally formed in partnership with Singapore Airlines). This consolidation makes it the largest international carrier in India and the second-largest domestic player, trailing only IndiGo. Singapore Airlines currently holds a 25.1% stake in the new entity.

Air India has been a member of Star Alliance since July 2014, the largest airline alliance in the world. The carrier is also a member of IATA.

Network, hubs, and destinations

With three primary hubs in Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bangalore (BLR), Air India operates approximately 90 destinations directly, including 75 within India and nearly 40 international routes.

Thanks to more than 75 codeshare agreements and interline partnerships, the accessible network spans over 800 destinations worldwide.

• North America: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver
• Europe: London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Vienna, Athens
• Asia-Pacific: Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne
• Middle East and Gulf: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Jeddah
• Southeast Asia: Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi (starting May 2026)

In 2026, the airline continues to expand with new routes, including Mumbai to Tokyo Haneda and Delhi to Hanoi.

Fleet and modernization

As of January 2026, Air India operates approximately 190 aircraft with an average age of 8.5 years. The fleet consists of a mix of narrow-body and wide-body jets:

• Narrow-body: Airbus A320neo (94), A321-200/neo (23), A319 (6)
• Wide-body: Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliner (33), Boeing 777-300ER (19), Boeing 777-200LR (3), Airbus A350-900 (6)

The company placed a historic order for 474 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, the largest in its history. Deliveries are spread over several years, with a target rate of one wide-body aircraft every six weeks starting in 2026.

A $400 million renovation program is currently underway to modernize cabins across the existing fleet, including new seats, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity. By the end of 2025, over 100 A320 family aircraft had already been refurbished. The modernization of the wide-body fleet, starting with the Boeing 787s and then the 777s, will continue through 2027.

Services and passenger experience

Travel classes

Air India offers up to three classes of service depending on the aircraft:

• Business Class: Fully flat-bed seats on long-haul routes, with private suites available on the new A350s.
• Premium Economy: Available on the A350s and Boeing 787-9s, with a rollout underway across the rest of the fleet.
• Economy: Standard configuration with in-flight entertainment and USB ports on refurbished aircraft.

Baggage policy

Baggage allowance varies by class, fare type, and route. Generally speaking:

• Domestic flights (Economy): 15 to 25 kg depending on the fare (Comfort, Flex).
• International flights (Economy): 1 to 2 pieces of 23 kg depending on the fare (Value or Classic).
• Business Class: 35 to 40 kg depending on the route.
• Carry-on: 1 piece of 8 kg (55 x 35 x 25 cm) plus 1 personal item of 3 kg.

Checked baggage is included in the fare, even in Economy. Additional weight can be purchased online at a discount.

Entertainment and connectivity

Recent and refurbished aircraft feature individual entertainment systems. In-flight Wi-Fi is available on the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select A321neo jets, a first for an Indian airline on domestic flights.

Loyalty program: Maharaja Club

Launched in November 2024 to replace the previous Flying Returns program, the Maharaja Club is fully integrated into Star Alliance. Members earn and redeem points across all 25 alliance airlines. There are four tiers: Red, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Gold status provides access to over 1,100 lounges worldwide.

Safety: A point to monitor

Air India experienced a tragic event on June 12, 2025: flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 traveling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The accident resulted in the loss of 241 of the 242 people on board, as well as 19 people on the ground. The investigation, led by the Indian AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) with the participation of American and British experts, is ongoing as of early 2026.

Following this accident, the airline initiated reinforced inspections of its Boeing fleet and temporarily reduced operations. Prior to this event, Air India had maintained a stable safety record for several years.

The airline remains a member of Star Alliance, which requires regular IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) safety audits.

Who is this for?

Air India positions itself as a full-service carrier, sitting between premium Middle Eastern airlines and traditional European carriers. It caters to several profiles:

• Indian Diaspora: Direct links between India and North America, Europe, and Australia, often with generous baggage allowances.
• Business Travelers: Competitive Business Class on long-haul routes, Star Alliance perks, and in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Families: Checked bags included, a very dense domestic network in India, and good value on international flights.
• Transit Tourists: The Delhi hub provides efficient connections between Europe and Southeast Asia or Australia.

Air India is currently in a state of significant transition. Travelers seeking a direct alternative between Europe and India, with baggage included and full-service amenities, will find this a viable option to consider, while keeping an eye on the airline's ongoing transformation and the final findings of the June 2025 accident investigation.