Travel

Air India Deploys New B787-9 Aircraft on Mumbai–Frankfurt Route from February 2026


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Gurugram, January 15, 2026: Air India has announced a major enhancement to its Mumbai–Frankfurt service with the deployment of its newly delivered, first line-fit B787-9 aircraft featuring new cabin interiors. The upgraded aircraft will operate on the route starting February 1, 2026.


Air India currently operates five flights a week between Mumbai and Frankfurt, strengthening connectivity between the financial centres of India and Germany. With this deployment, all Air India flights to Germany, including services between Delhi and Frankfurt, will now be operated using new or upgraded aircraft.

The move is part of Air India’s ongoing fleet transformation programme, which includes additional widebody aircraft deliveries and retrofits planned through 2026. These upgrades aim to modernise a significant portion of the airline’s long-haul fleet and enhance passenger experience.

Further strengthening international connectivity, Air India continues its codeshare partnership with Lufthansa, enabling seamless onward travel from Frankfurt to 29 destinations across Europe, as well as select destinations in North and South America.

Air India’s optimised schedules also provide convenient one-stop connections via Mumbai or Delhi for travellers flying between Germany and destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. These include Bangkok, Bali, Colombo, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Phuket and Singapore.

Mumbai–Frankfurt Flight Schedule

Flight Route Departure Arrival

AI2027 Mumbai–Frankfurt 12:35 hrs 17:30 hrs
AI2028 Frankfurt–Mumbai 20:20 hrs 09:00 hrs (+1)


Tickets for the Mumbai–Frankfurt services remain available across all booking channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres and authorised travel agents worldwide.

Air India Group, comprising Air India and Air India Express, continues its five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI, following its return to Tata Sons ownership in 2022. The airline has placed orders for 570 new aircraft and is undertaking fleet renewal, training infrastructure expansion and maintenance facility development as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Travel

Almaty Charter Service Begins with First Seasonal Flight Arrival at Mopa Airport


Panaji, December 26, 2025: Continuing the steady inflow of international tourists this season, the first seasonal charter flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, arrived at Manohar International Airport (MOPA) on December 26, 2025, at 10:25 a.m. The flight, operated by Fly Arystan, carried 174 passengers, further strengthening Goa’s international tourism footprint.

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, extended a warm and traditional welcome to the arriving passengers with rose buds and a lively brass band performance outside the arrival terminal, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s renowned hospitality and vibrant culture.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, highlighted the importance of expanding global air connectivity, stating that engaging new international source markets and encouraging seasonal charter operations are vital for Goa’s planned and sustainable tourism growth. He noted that the commencement of charter services from Almaty reflects increasing global confidence in Goa as a preferred travel destination.

Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Kedar Naik, added that the arrival of the first Almaty charter flight marks a valuable addition to the season’s international charter operations, helping maintain consistent tourist inflows throughout the peak travel period.

The seasonal charter service from Almaty is expected to further boost international arrivals and support balanced tourism development across Goa during the ongoing tourist season.

Travel

Air India Adds 174 Weekly Flights to Domestic and Short-Haul International Network for Winter 2025


Air India has announced a significant network expansion for the Northern Winter Schedule 2025, introducing 174 additional weekly flights across key domestic and short-haul international routes starting 26 October 2025. The new schedule strengthens connectivity between major Indian cities and Southeast Asian destinations, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering greater convenience and choice for travelers.

Among the international enhancements, flights from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur and Denpasar (Bali) will each increase from seven to ten weekly services, effective mid-November and early December respectively. Domestically, the expansion focuses on high-demand destinations in Rajasthan, with new routes such as Delhi–Jaipur and Delhi–Jaisalmer, along with increased frequencies on existing routes including Delhi–Udaipur, Mumbai–Jaipur, and Mumbai–Jodhpur. Additional flights are being introduced across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and other cities including Varanasi, Port Blair, Guwahati, Raipur, and Amritsar.

This growth follows the near completion of Air India’s comprehensive retrofit program for its legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft, launched in September 2024. Of the 27 aircraft, 26 have been completely refurbished with brand-new interiors featuring Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. With this upgrade, Air India now operates more than 100 A320 Family aircraft with enhanced interiors, serving over 80 domestic and short-haul international destinations.

The expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing transformation plan under Vihaan.AI, which aims to rebuild Air India into a world-class global carrier with an Indian heart. The airline, which returned to the Tata Group in 2022 after seven decades of government ownership, continues to evolve under an ambitious five-year roadmap. With more than 300 aircraft in its fleet and an order for 570 new planes underway, Air India is reshaping the future of Indian aviation through network growth, modern infrastructure, and superior customer experience.

As part of the larger Air India Group, which includes the full-service Air India and low-cost Air India Express, the company is leading the next chapter of Indian aviation by expanding reach, enhancing quality, and strengthening India’s position as a global travel hub.

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Air India Launches ‘Namaste World’ Sale with Domestic Fares from ₹1,499 and International Fares from ₹12,310


Air India has unveiled its much-anticipated ‘Namaste World’ promotional sale, delivering attractive all-inclusive fares across its domestic and international network.

For a limited time, one-way domestic fares start from just ₹1,499, while round-trip international fares begin at ₹12,310. The offer is valid until 11:59 pm on 15 August 2025 and applies to travel until 31 March 2026. Tickets can be booked through Air India’s direct channels and, after the first day, via travel agents and airport offices.

Web-Exclusive Day 1
On 10 August 2025, bookings were exclusively available on Air India’s website and mobile app. From the following day, customers can also book through all sales channels, including travel agents and airport ticket counters.

Book Direct Benefits
Passengers booking via Air India’s website or app enjoy zero convenience fees and additional savings:

  • Promo Code FLYAI – Save up to ₹1,000 per passenger.
  • Visa Card Promo Code VISAFLY – Discounts up to ₹2,500 per passenger, depending on the trip type and route.

VISA Card Offers:

  • Domestic One-Way: ₹250 off
  • Domestic Round Trip: ₹500 off
  • International One-Way: Up to ₹1,500 off
  • International Round Trip: Up to ₹2,500 off

Extra Travel Comfort
Air India is also offering up to 60% off on prepaid baggage and 15% off on seat selection, including extra-legroom seats, booked via both direct and indirect channels.

Sample All-Inclusive Round-Trip International Fares (Ex-India):

  • India–Sri Lanka: ₹12,310
  • India–Singapore: ₹14,020
  • India–UAE: ₹18,060
  • India–USA: ₹49,635
  • India–United Kingdom: ₹44,500

Seats are limited and available on select domestic and international routes on a first-come, first-served basis. Fares may vary slightly depending on exchange rates and local taxes.

This offer comes as Air India, under Tata Group ownership, continues its Vihaan.AI transformation program, investing in new aircraft, upgraded interiors, expanded services, and enhanced passenger experiences.


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Manohar International Airport, Goa, Strengthens Global Connectivity with Launch of Air India Express Direct Flights to Kuwait & Abu Dhabi


Goa, 8th May 2025 – Goa proudly announces the commencement of scheduled international services to Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, operated by Air India Express. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing the state’s international connectivity, providing greater travel options for tourists, business travelers, and the Goan diaspora, while opening new avenues for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The flight schedule for Goa to Kuwait is on Thursdays and Saturdays & for Goa to Abu Dhabi on Mondays and Tuesdays

With these new services, travelers from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi can now easily access Goa’s vast array of offerings — from pristine beaches, lush monsoon landscapes, and waterfalls to its distinctive culinary experiences, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals. The launch underscores Manohar International Airport’s commitment to expanding Goa’s global reach and positioning the state as a sought-after international destination.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, remarked “Goa’s international connectivity is about creating bridges between cultures, economies, and people. The launch of Air India Express’ direct flights from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi complements our efforts to attract quality tourism, strengthen the local economy, and establish Goa as a year-round destination. These flights will serve as a catalyst for economic development, cultural exchange, and deeper bilateral ties between Goa and these key international markets.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri. R.V. Sheshan, CEO & Director, GMR Goa International Airport Ltd., said “The launch of direct flights to Kuwait and Abu Dhabi is a landmark achievement for Manohar International Airport. These connections not only improve convenience for travelers but also reinforce Goa’s standing on the global aviation map. We are dedicated to ensuring seamless, world-class travel experiences that benefit both international visitors and the Goan community.”

Shri. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, added “The enhanced connectivity provided by these new international flights aligns perfectly with Goa’s vision of promoting regenerative and sustainable tourism. We welcome travelers from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi to explore the unique charm of Goa — beyond its beaches — by immersing themselves in our heritage, hinterlands, festivals, and local communities. This is an important step towards positioning Goa as a globally competitive, culturally rich destination.”

With robust infrastructure, efficient e-Visa facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Manohar International Airport continues to play a pivotal role in driving Goa’s tourism growth, economic prosperity, and international standing.