Air India Restores Delhi–Rome Nonstop Flights, Strengthening Travel and Tourism Links Between India and Italy After Six Years

Published on December 24, 2025

After a prolonged absence from the Italian market, Air India, under the ownership of the Tata Group, has announced the resumption of its nonstop Delhi–Rome flight service, restoring a vital air bridge between India and Italy after nearly six years. The renewed route has been positioned as a key milestone in the airline’s broader European expansion strategy, reflecting the steady recovery of international travel and the growing appeal of Italy among Indian travelers. The reinstated service is scheduled to commence on 25 March 2026 and is expected to play a significant role in strengthening tourism, education, business, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

With demand rising across leisure travel, visiting friends and relatives traffic, student mobility, and corporate movement, the return of direct connectivity between the capitals has been carefully timed to coincide with the spring and summer travel season in Europe. Through this development, direct connectivity, European network expansion, and long haul travel growth have been reinforced, while Delhi’s position as a major global aviation hub has been further consolidated. The route is also anticipated to enhance seamless access from Italy to South and Southeast Asia, aligning aviation growth with travel and tourism objectives across multiple regions.

Restoration of Direct India–Italy Air Connectivity

Direct air services between Delhi and Rome were suspended during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and connectivity between India and Italy has since relied largely on one-stop itineraries through other European and Middle Eastern hubs. With the confirmation of the route’s return, uninterrupted capital-to-capital travel has now been restored.

The four-times-weekly nonstop service has been introduced to support the sustained recovery of bilateral passenger demand. Italy remains one of India’s most important trading partners in Europe, and passenger volumes have continued to rise, supported by a sizable Indian diaspora in Italy and increasing Italian interest in India as a destination for business, spirituality, and tourism.

Flight Launch Timeline and Frequency

From 25 March 2026, nonstop flights will be operated four times a week between Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Leonardo da Vinci International Airport Rome Fiumicino. The initial schedule has been structured to align with seasonal travel patterns, while minor timing adjustments have been planned from 29 March 2026 to better suit onward connections and airport slot coordination.

This measured re-entry into the Italian market has been designed to balance operational efficiency with passenger convenience, ensuring a reliable schedule for both outbound and inbound travelers between India and Italy.

Aircraft Deployment and Cabin Configuration

Operations on the Delhi–Rome route will be conducted using Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. This aircraft type has been selected for its long-haul efficiency, passenger comfort, and lower environmental footprint compared to older widebody models.

The onboard configuration includes 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy Class. This layout has been optimized to serve a diverse mix of travelers, including premium business passengers, leisure tourists, students, and families. The Dreamliner’s cabin environment, featuring improved air quality and reduced cabin noise, is expected to enhance the overall long-distance travel experience between the two continents.

Strengthening Delhi as a Global Transit Hub

Beyond point-to-point travel, the reinstated Rome service has been strategically integrated into Air India’s broader hub-and-spoke model centered on Delhi. For Italian passengers, convenient onward connections will be available to multiple destinations across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Cities such as Bangkok, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket, and Singapore will be accessible via smooth transfers at Delhi. Through this approach, Delhi’s role as Air India’s primary global gateway has been reinforced, while Italy has been more closely connected to emerging tourism and business markets across Asia.

Executive Perspective and Market Significance

From an industry standpoint, the return of the Rome route has been positioned as a strategic response to strong cultural, commercial, and people-to-people ties between India and Italy. The service has been described as an important step in expanding travel options while supporting trade, tourism, and long-haul network growth.

From the airport perspective, the route’s reintroduction has been identified as a catalyst for long-haul expansion in 2026. Rising demand across leisure, student, and corporate segments has been acknowledged, with the renewed service expected to deepen economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Italy’s Appeal for Indian Travelers

Italy continues to rank among the most sought-after European destinations for Indian tourists. Interest has been driven by the country’s rich art heritage, architectural landmarks, culinary traditions, and cultural experiences. Rome, in particular, has remained a focal point due to its historical significance and global recognition.

With direct flights now restored, travel planning between India and Italy has been simplified, reducing journey times and improving overall accessibility. This development is likely to stimulate further growth in outbound tourism from India, especially during peak holiday seasons.

Rome as a Travel and Tourism Destination

Rome has long been recognized as a living museum, where layers of ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and modern history coexist within a vibrant urban setting. The city’s identity has been shaped by over two thousand years of political, religious, and cultural influence, making it one of Europe’s most visited destinations.

Iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill continue to attract millions of visitors annually. Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, remains central to religious tourism, drawing travelers to St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain further define the city’s architectural and cultural landscape.

Neighborhoods, Culture, and Culinary Experiences

Beyond its major attractions, Rome’s neighborhoods offer distinct travel experiences. Trastevere is widely known for its narrow streets, historic charm, and traditional Roman cuisine, while the Centro Storico provides an immersive walk through UNESCO-listed heritage areas filled with cafes, churches, and piazzas.

Roman cuisine emphasizes simplicity and tradition, with pasta dishes, pizza, street food, and local wines forming the backbone of the city’s food culture. Culinary tours and cooking classes have gained popularity among visitors seeking deeper cultural engagement.

Practical Travel Considerations

Rome is generally regarded as a safe destination, though visitors are advised to remain cautious in crowded tourist areas due to pickpocketing risks. Public transport, including buses, trams, and the metro system, offers extensive coverage, while walking remains the most effective way to explore central districts.

Seasonal travel patterns should be considered when planning a visit. Spring and autumn are widely regarded as the most comfortable periods, offering mild weather and manageable crowds, while summer brings higher temperatures and peak tourism volumes.

Expanding Air India’s European Footprint

With the return of Rome, Air India now serves eight destinations across mainland Europe and three destinations in the United Kingdom. This expansion reflects a phased, demand-driven approach to rebuilding the airline’s long-haul network under new ownership.

The Delhi–Rome service stands as a significant addition within this strategy, aligning aviation growth with broader travel and tourism objectives linking India and Italy. As international travel demand continues to rise, the restored route is expected to play a meaningful role in shaping future passenger flows between South Asia and Europe.