India–Italy–United Kingdom Air Connectivity Set to Expand in 2026 as Air India Resumes Rome Flights and IndiGo Launches Delhi–London Services

Published on December 27, 2025

Air travel between India, Italy, and the United Kingdom is set to enter a new phase of growth in 2026, as major Indian carriers expand their long-haul international networks. Enhanced connectivity has been announced with Air India confirming the return of non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome, while IndiGo prepares to introduce direct services between Delhi and London Heathrow. These developments are expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across Europe and South Asia. After years of disruption caused by the global pandemic, renewed confidence in international travel demand has been reflected through strategic route planning and fleet deployment. With Europe remaining a high-priority market for Indian airlines, these announcements highlight a broader vision of strengthening India’s position as a global aviation hub. Improved schedules, modern aircraft, and expanded seat capacity are being positioned to meet rising demand from leisure travellers, business passengers, and the Indian diaspora. As international travel steadily regains momentum, these routes are being seen as vital links connecting India more closely with key European destinations, reinforcing long-standing relationships while opening new avenues for tourism-led economic growth.

Air India Announces Return to Rome After Nearly Six Years

A significant milestone in India–Italy aviation ties has been reached with the announcement that Air India will resume direct flight services between Delhi and Rome. Operations had been suspended in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a prolonged absence of direct connectivity between the two capital cities. From March 25, 2026, this long-awaited route is scheduled to return, marking Air India’s renewed focus on strengthening its European footprint.

Four weekly services have been planned on the Delhi–Rome sector, with flights operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. These services are set to be operated using the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, a wide-body jet known for long-haul efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft configuration will include 18 flat beds in business class and 238 seats in economy class, offering a balanced product for both premium and leisure travellers.

The resumption of Rome flights is being positioned as part of Air India’s broader strategy to rebuild and expand its international network under Tata Group ownership. With Rome added back to the map, Air India will be serving eight destinations across Europe and three points in the United Kingdom, reinforcing its presence in key long-haul markets.

Strengthening Tourism and Cultural Links Between India and Italy

Direct air connectivity between Delhi and Rome is expected to play an important role in stimulating two-way tourism between India and Italy. Rome, home to globally renowned historical landmarks and cultural attractions, remains one of Europe’s most popular tourism destinations. The restored non-stop service will make travel easier for Indian tourists seeking immersive European experiences, while also encouraging Italian travellers to explore India’s diverse cultural, spiritual, and leisure offerings.

In addition to leisure travel, the route is anticipated to support growing business and trade exchanges. India and Italy share strong economic ties across sectors such as manufacturing, fashion, automotive, and food processing. Seamless air links are expected to facilitate smoother movement of professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors between the two countries.

The Delhi hub is also expected to play a critical role for inbound Italian travellers, offering onward connections to destinations across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This expanded connectivity enhances Delhi’s role as a strategic transit point for long-haul travel, further strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem.

IndiGo Expands Long-Haul Network with Delhi–London Heathrow Route

Alongside Air India’s announcement, IndiGo has revealed plans to introduce direct flights between Delhi and London Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most strategically important airports. The new service is scheduled to commence from February 2, 2026, with five flights per week initially planned.

These services will be operated using wet or damp leased Boeing 787 aircraft, allowing IndiGo to efficiently enter the long-haul wide-body segment while maintaining operational flexibility. The aircraft will feature a dual-class configuration, including IndiGoStretch and economy class, offering passengers a choice of comfort levels on the transcontinental journey.

IndiGo already operates daily direct flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow, and the addition of Delhi services will increase the airline’s total London operations to 12 weekly flights. This expansion underscores IndiGo’s growing ambition in the international long-haul market and reflects sustained demand between India and the United Kingdom.

Meeting Growing Demand Between India and the United Kingdom

Travel demand between India and the United Kingdom has remained strong, driven by tourism, education, business travel, and visits among family and friends. London continues to be a key gateway city for Indian travellers, while Delhi serves as a major departure point for international travel from North India.

The launch of the Delhi–London route is expected to improve accessibility and provide additional capacity during peak travel periods. With Heathrow being a major global hub, passengers will also benefit from onward connections to destinations across Europe and North America.

For the tourism sector, enhanced connectivity is likely to support inbound travel to India from the UK, encouraging longer stays and multi-destination itineraries. Outbound tourism from India to the UK is also expected to benefit from increased flight options and competitive pricing.

Part of a Broader International Expansion Strategy

The introduction of the Delhi–London service aligns with IndiGo’s broader international growth strategy. In recent months, new routes have been launched from Delhi to destinations such as Denpasar in Bali, Krabi, Hanoi, Guangzhou, and Manchester. These additions reflect a measured but steady expansion of international connectivity, particularly from India’s capital city.

Further strengthening this strategy, IndiGo has already announced the launch of direct flights to Athens starting in January 2026. The inclusion of Greece alongside the United Kingdom and Italy highlights Europe’s importance within the airline’s network planning.

These route launches are being viewed as part of a long-term approach to diversify markets, enhance brand presence, and respond to evolving passenger preferences. With modern aircraft and improved service offerings, Indian carriers are increasingly positioning themselves as competitive players on global routes.

Implications for Travel and Tourism in 2026

The combined announcements from Air India and IndiGo signal positive momentum for international travel in 2026. Expanded air connectivity is expected to support tourism recovery, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen people-to-people connections between India and Europe.

For travellers, the return of non-stop services reduces travel time and enhances convenience, particularly for those seeking direct routes without transits. For the tourism industry, these developments offer new opportunities for destination promotion, airline partnerships, and cross-border collaboration.

As international confidence continues to build, the aviation sector is expected to play a central role in shaping travel trends. With India, Italy, and the United Kingdom now more closely linked through expanded flight networks, the outlook for long-haul travel and tourism appears increasingly optimistic.

The resumption of Air India’s Delhi–Rome flights and the launch of IndiGo’s Delhi–London Heathrow services represent a significant step forward in strengthening air connectivity between India and key European nations. These developments reflect renewed confidence in international travel demand and a strategic focus on long-haul growth. By improving access, supporting tourism, and reinforcing economic ties, these routes are expected to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of global travel in 2026 and beyond.