New Delhi, November 15: Air India has restored its non-stop flight operations between Delhi, Mumbai and the US cities of New York and Newark following an improvement in airspace conditions, bringing relief to passengers travelling between India and the United States.
The resumption of direct services is expected to reduce travel time by approximately five hours. Earlier, the airline had introduced technical stops in Rome for refuelling because of restrictions affecting its usual flight routes. These diversions had extended the journey to nearly 22 hours. With direct operations returning, travel time is expected to come down to around 17 hours.
The airline had been compelled to modify its international flight schedules following restrictions on the use of Pakistani airspace by Indian carriers and disruptions across certain Middle Eastern air corridors. The changes required aircraft to follow longer routes and make additional stops before reaching their destinations.
With the easing of these constraints, Air India has resumed non-stop connectivity from Delhi and Mumbai to both John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
According to the revised operating schedule, the airline will run daily services between Delhi and JFK, along with daily flights connecting Mumbai and JFK. The Delhi-Newark route will operate four times a week, while the Mumbai-Newark service will have three weekly flights.
Air India has deployed Airbus A350-900 aircraft on its Delhi-based operations. The aircraft offer Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class seating, along with upgraded passenger facilities.
Services from Mumbai are being operated using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which provide First Class, Business Class and Economy Class accommodation.
The restoration of direct flights is expected to make international travel more convenient for passengers, particularly those travelling for business, education and family visits. Shorter journey times are also likely to improve connectivity between major Indian cities and the United States.
The move represents a significant step towards normalising Air India's long-haul operations after months of route adjustments and extended travel schedules caused by airspace restrictions.
