Published on
December 27, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
In a highly anticipated move, Air India is set to resume non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome from March 25, 2026, marking the airline’s return to the Italian capital after nearly six years of absence. This bold move is not just a symbol of Air India’s expanding European network, but also a response to rising demand for direct connections between India and Italy. After the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Air India is bringing back the cherished non-stop route, providing Indian travelers more convenience than ever before.
The Resumption of Non-Stop Flights: A Major Milestone for Air India
Air India has been working tirelessly to expand its reach across Europe, and its latest announcement about resuming the Delhi-Rome non-stop flights is set to make waves in the travel industry. Starting on March 25, 2026, Air India will operate these direct flights four times a week. The service will connect Delhi with Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino), offering Indian travelers a fast and seamless travel experience, while simultaneously benefiting passengers from Italy seeking easy access to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This frequency is designed to cater to a growing number of travelers heading to Italy and beyond, whether for leisure or business. Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to connecting India to more parts of the world, highlighting the deep cultural and economic ties between India and Italy.
Comfort, Convenience, and Connectivity: The Air India Experience
What sets Air India’s new Delhi-Rome service apart is not just its direct connection, but also the luxury and comfort travelers can expect onboard. The airline will deploy its state-of-the-art Boeing 787-8 aircraft on this route, featuring 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy Class. Travelers will experience Indian hospitality, which has long been a hallmark of the airline, with enhanced onboard services, and a comfortable flying experience for all passengers.
From leisure tourists to business professionals, Air India’s new service offers convenience and efficiency, whether you’re traveling from India to Italy or connecting to other parts of the world via Delhi. The service has been specifically timed to allow travelers to plan their spring or summer holidays in Europe, ensuring they have ample opportunity to explore Italy’s rich culture, art, and history.
A Key Route for India-Italy Relations
The resumption of this direct flight route between Delhi and Rome comes at a crucial time. Italy is one of India’s largest trading partners in Europe, with passenger traffic steadily increasing between the two nations. There is a growing Indian community in Italy, and the popularity of Italian culture, art, history, and gastronomy has driven interest among Indian travelers. This flight provides a significant boost to cultural and economic ties, furthering the exchange between the two countries.
Air India’s Non-Stop Service: A Bridge Between Continents
In addition to offering a direct connection between Delhi and Rome, Air India’s non-stop flights will also serve as a vital link for Italian travelers seeking connections to vibrant destinations across India, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. By using Delhi as a gateway, passengers can seamlessly connect to cities such as Bangkok, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket, and Singapore, among others. This extensive network ensures that both Indian and Italian travelers can take advantage of convenient onward flights, making Air India’s Delhi hub a key player in global air travel.
Strengthening Long-Haul Markets: Air India’s Vision for the Future
The resumption of Air India’s direct flights to Rome highlights the airline’s strategy to strengthen its position in the long-haul travel market. According to Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma, the resumption of Delhi-Rome services is a significant development. It is expected to reinforce growth in long-haul markets throughout 2026. As passenger traffic continues to grow between India and Italy, this service plays a key role in meeting demand and boosting economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
What’s Next for Air India’s European Network?
Air India’s expanded European network doesn’t stop with Rome. With Italy firmly in its sights, the airline has set its eyes on offering even more routes to key cities across Europe, aiming to provide travelers with unmatched connectivity. The addition of Rome to Air India’s existing routes represents a strategic move to cater to the growing demand for travel to and from India. The airline is committed to strengthening ties with both Europe and Southeast Asia, positioning itself as a global aviation leader in the coming years.
Air India’s Long-Haul Ambitions: A Commitment to Excellence
The launch of non-stop flights from Delhi to Rome is a clear indication of Air India’s ambition to remain a global leader in air travel. As the airline continues to expand its fleet, improve its services, and offer more destinations, Air India is poised to become the airline of choice for travelers flying between India, Europe, and beyond. The new Delhi-Rome route offers a compelling reason for travelers to book their tickets early, especially with the promise of easy connections, comfortable flights, and the unparalleled warmth of Indian hospitality.
