Air India Redefines International Travel with Groundbreaking Non-Stop Service from India to Tokyo Haneda Offering Unparalleled Convenience and Enhanced Connectivity for Global Travelers

Published on November 13, 2025

Air India is set to redefine international travel by launching a groundbreaking non-stop service from India to Tokyo Haneda, starting March 31, 2025. This significant move is designed to offer passengers unparalleled convenience by reducing travel time to central Tokyo and enhancing connectivity between India and Japan. With Haneda’s strategic location just 18 kilometers from downtown Tokyo, travelers will experience a much quicker and more accessible route compared to the previous Narita service. Coupled with an expanded codeshare agreement with ANA, Air India’s new service promises smoother connections, premium amenities, and an improved overall travel experience, making it a game-changer for both business and leisure travelers.

Air India is set to make a major change to its non-stop service between Delhi and Tokyo, enhancing the convenience for passengers traveling between the two countries. Starting on March 31, 2025, the airline will move its operations from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), a shift aimed at offering travelers quicker and more affordable access to central Tokyo.

This decision comes in response to a growing demand for travel between India and Japan. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of Indian tourists visiting Japan reached 233,000 in 2024, marking a significant 40% increase from the previous year. This surge in travel underscores the increasing appeal of Japan as a destination for Indian tourists, driven by factors such as cultural exchange, business opportunities, and tourism promotions. As a result, Air India’s decision to move to Haneda reflects the airline’s commitment to improving travel options in line with the rising demand.

Haneda Airport offers a clear advantage over Narita in terms of location. Situated just 18 kilometers from downtown Tokyo, Haneda is significantly closer to the city center compared to Narita, which is located around 70 kilometers away. For passengers traveling from the airport to central Tokyo, this translates to a shorter commute, reducing travel time to Tokyo Station to about 30 minutes, compared to nearly an hour from Narita. This change will make travel to and from Tokyo much more convenient for passengers, especially those who have tight schedules or wish to make the most of their time in the city.

In addition to the airport shift, Air India is also expanding its partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s flagship airline, to offer a more seamless travel experience for passengers. The expanded codeshare agreement between the two carriers, set to begin on April 1, 2025, will allow Air India to place its ‘AI’ code on ANA’s flights from Haneda to six major cities in Japan: Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo. This new arrangement will provide Air India passengers with the convenience of booking single-ticket journeys, with their baggage checked through to the final destination.

At the same time, ANA will place its ‘NH’ code on Air India’s flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, as well as on Air India’s domestic flights across India, including key destinations such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune. This codeshare arrangement will allow passengers to connect easily between domestic Indian cities and Japan, enhancing convenience and offering more flexibility in travel planning.

Passengers flying on codeshare flights will continue to enjoy premium services, as both Air India and ANA are members of the Star Alliance program. This means that travelers will benefit from services such as lounge access, priority boarding, and other premium amenities, further elevating the travel experience.

The new Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service will operate on a regular schedule, with flight details as follows:

• AI358: Departs Delhi at 20:20, arriving in Tokyo Haneda at 07:55 the following day (operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
• AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda at 11:50, arriving in Delhi at 17:25 (operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)

These revised flight times are designed to provide passengers with flexibility, ensuring they can travel between the two cities at convenient times while minimizing layovers. The new schedule is expected to boost business and leisure travel, making the route more attractive for travelers looking for a more efficient and comfortable journey between India and Japan.

As Air India continues to enhance its international network, this move to Tokyo Haneda is an important step in its strategy to offer improved services and better connectivity for passengers. With a growing number of Indian tourists visiting Japan and an increasing demand for direct flights, the airline’s decision to switch airports is expected to further cement its position as a leading carrier for international travel. This shift, alongside the expanded codeshare agreement with ANA, will provide passengers with more options, smoother connections, and a higher level of service—key factors in making travel more convenient and enjoyable.

For those planning to visit Japan, this new non-stop service from Delhi to Tokyo Haneda promises a faster, more accessible, and comfortable travel experience. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or cultural exchange, Air India’s revamped service is poised to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers between India and Japan.