IBNS-CMEDIA: Tata Group-owned Air India has restored non-stop flights on all its routes connecting Delhi and Mumbai with New York following the reopening of previously restricted airspace, which had forced the airline to introduce technical stops on select services.
The move is expected to reduce total travel time by up to five hours on the affected routes. Journeys that had taken around 22 hours due to en-route refuelling stops will now take approximately 17 hours.
Earlier this year, Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines, followed by restrictions across parts of the Middle East amid regional conflicts, significantly disrupted flight routes between India and North America. Consequently, Air India’s services from Delhi and Mumbai to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) were operating with technical stops in Rome for refuelling.
With the easing of these restrictions, Air India has now resumed non-stop operations across all four India-New York routes, restoring faster and more convenient travel options for passengers flying between the two countries.
Air India’s flight frequency between India and New York
The airline currently operates:
One daily flight from Delhi to JFK.
One daily flight from Mumbai to JFK.
Four flights per week between Delhi and Newark.
Three flights per week between Mumbai and Newark.
Upgraded onboard experience
Passengers travelling between India and New York can also experience Air India’s latest and upgraded onboard products.
Flights from Delhi to both JFK and Newark are operated using the airline’s flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The aircraft features a three-class configuration, comprising 28 Business Class suites with fully flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats in a dedicated cabin offering enhanced comfort and additional legroom, and 264 Economy Class seats.
All three cabins are equipped with next-generation inflight entertainment systems and refreshed onboard amenities.
Meanwhile, Air India’s Mumbai-New York services to both JFK and Newark are operated using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with significantly upgraded cabin interiors. These aircraft feature eight First Class suites with privacy sliding doors, 40 fully flat Business Class beds and 280 Economy Class seats.
The restoration of non-stop flights, combined with Air India’s upgraded cabin products, further strengthens the airline’s presence in one of its most important international markets. The move is also expected to provide greater convenience, comfort and connectivity for passengers travelling between India and the United States.
