Air India has resumed direct flights between Delhi and Rome, launching a four-times-weekly service to Fiumicino Airport. The return comes after nearly six years away from the Italian capital.
The new route expands Air India’s presence in Mainland Europe. Rome becomes the airline’s eighth gateway on the continent and its second destination in Italy, alongside Milan.
The move highlights the airline’s ongoing efforts to strengthen connections between India and major European cities, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
Flight AI123 took off from Delhi at 13:32 IST on March 25 and touched down at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport later that evening. The inaugural arrival was greeted warmly by officials from the Indian Embassy in Italy, Fiumicino airport authorities, and Air India personnel.
The inaugural flight was received by a delegation including HE Ms Vani Rao, Ambassador of India to Italy and San Marino; Gaurav Gandhi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Rome; and Swaminathan Krishnamoorthy, Head of Chancery at the Embassy. Senior officials from Aeroporti di Roma were also present, overseeing the departure of the return flight from Rome, which arrived in Delhi at 10:29 IST today.
The occasion was marked with traditional Indian ceremonies, including a lamp-lighting ritual, cake-cutting, and a special honour for the first passenger on board, celebrating the resumption of the Delhi–Rome service in style.
“Demand for travel between India and Europe continues to grow across both leisure and business segments, with the two nations sharing so much in common culturally,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, “and their increasing exchange that continues to deepen business, trade, and people-to-people ties. We are delighted to reconnect the two historic capital cities while also enabling seamless onward travels via our Delhi hub to and from destinations across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.”
The new service highlights the growing economic and cultural links between India and Italy, supported by rising trade and a significant Indian community in the country. “We are pleased to welcome Air India’s arrival in Rome,” said Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma. “The new direct connection to Delhi enhances our offering to the Indian capital and meets the growing travel demand between Italy and India. This new route further strengthens Rome Fiumicino’s role as a leading international hub in the Mediterranean, increasingly central to air links with Asia.”
Air India will fly between Delhi and Rome four times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays — using its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The plane has two cabins, with 18 fully flat beds in Business Class and 241 seats in Economy, designed to give passengers a comfortable journey.
The timing of the flights also allows travellers from Rome to connect easily through Delhi to destinations across India and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
When does the Delhi–Rome flight operate?
Air India operates this route four times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
What aircraft is used for this service?
The flight is operated using a Boeing 787-8, featuring a two-class cabin with 18 fully flat Business Class beds and 241 Economy Class seats.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Rome?
The non-stop flight typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on weather and air traffic conditions.
Can passengers connect to other destinations from Delhi?
Yes. The schedule allows convenient connections through Delhi to several cities in India and Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Is this Air India’s first flight to Rome?
No. Air India previously operated services to Rome but has now resumed direct flights after a nearly six-year break.