New International Flights From India: 6 Routes You Can Book In 2026

International flight networks are expanding as more Indians travel overseas than ever before. According to the ministry of tourism, Indian nationals made 32.83 million outbound departures in 2025, a 6.3 per cent increase over the previous year. Two defining trends in India's recent aviation landscape are the expansion of airports in Tier II and Tier III cities and the growing demand for premium and luxury-class travel.

Travel is no longer exclusive, optional, or occasional. It has become deeply embedded in modern lifestyles centred around mobility. These six new international routes are set to make overseas travel more convenient for Indian flyers.

Kolkata To Shanghai

IndiGo commenced its daily non-stop service between Kolkata and Shanghai on March 29, 2026. This marks another significant milestone in strengthening connectivity between India and the People's Republic of China. The launch is part of IndiGo's recent expansion in China. Flights to Guangzhou from Kolkata have also resumed, alongside regularised operations from Delhi. The route is operated using the Airbus A320neo aircraft. The new service will also enable travellers from Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and other parts of the country to connect to China via Kolkata.

Delhi To Colombo

IndiGo has also launched direct flights between Delhi and Colombo, operating six flights a week on the route using the Airbus A320 aircraft. The service aims to strengthen connectivity for both travellers and trade between India and Sri Lanka, countries that share deep cultural, historical and economic ties. With this addition, IndiGo now operates 55 weekly flights between Colombo and five Indian cities namely, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi. Flights between Chennai and Tiruchirappalli to Jaffna are already operational, with 10 weekly services.

Chennai To Réunion Island

Another addition to IndiGo's international network is the Chennai–Réunion Island service, which commenced in April this year. Réunion Island, a French overseas territory, has become the airline's 46th international destination. Located between Madagascar and Mauritius, the island is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Piton de la Fournaise, and its multicultural society shaped by African, European, Indian, and Asian influences. The island is steadily gaining popularity among Indian outbound travellers, particularly luxury travellers, honeymooners, adventure seekers, and bespoke MICE groups.

Indore To Abu Dhabi

Passengers across Madhya Pradesh now have direct access to a new global destination. From July 15, Air India Express restarted international operations from Devi Ahilyabai Airport with a new non-stop service to Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. The service is expected to benefit tourists, business travellers, students, expatriate workers and families travelling regularly between India and the Gulf.

Mumbai To Tokyo

Air India has also launched a new route between Mumbai and Tokyo Haneda Airport. Introduced in June, the service operates four times a week using the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The new route strengthens Air India's growing network across Southeast Asia and the Far East while supporting the expanding economic and commercial relationship between India and Japan.

Bengaluru To Zurich

Swiss International Air Lines recently announced its first-ever service to southern India with the launch of its Bengaluru–Zurich route in October this year. Flight LX141 will depart from Bengaluru on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The new connection is expected to strengthen both business and premium leisure travel between India and Switzerland.

(Inputs from various sources)

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