Air India has announced the launch of two new international routes as it continues to strengthen its presence across Asia. The airline will introduce non-stop flights between Delhi and Hanoi from 01 May 2026 and start direct services between Mumbai and Tokyo (Haneda) from 15 June 2026.

With the addition of Hanoi, Air India expands its footprint in Vietnam, making it the airline’s second destination in the country after Ho Chi Minh City. The Delhi - Hanoi route will operate five times a week and will complement the existing daily services to Ho Chi Minh City. This will give travellers greater flexibility, especially those planning open jaw itineraries, where they can enter Vietnam through Hanoi and depart from Ho Chi Minh City, or the other way around.

Air India will deploy its A320neo aircraft on the Delhi - Hanoi route. The aircraft offers cabin options across Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. The new route is expected to add around 7,028 seats every month between India and Vietnam. Passengers travelling on these flights will also benefit from convenient onward connections across Air India’s domestic network as well as international routes, including destinations in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Strengthening connectivity with Japan, the airline will also launch non-stop flights between Mumbai and Tokyo (Haneda). The service will operate four times a week using Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The new Mumbai route will complement the airline’s existing Delhi - Tokyo (Haneda) flights.

Recently, Air India increased the frequency on the Delhi - Tokyo route from four weekly flights to daily services. From 14 February 2026, the airline also upgraded the route with its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, introducing Premium Economy for the first time along with enhanced cabin interiors and onboard experience.

Passengers travelling to Japan can now enjoy upgraded inflight entertainment systems, WiFi connectivity, and refreshed meal and beverage selections. Air India also maintains a codeshare partnership with fellow Star Alliance member airline All Nippon Airways (ANA), offering onward connections from Tokyo Haneda to cities such as Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo.

Speaking about the expansion, Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Since Air India’s privatisation, we have significantly grown our network across Southeast Asia and the Far East, having added several new routes, optimised flight schedules to enable convenient cross-continent connections, forged new partnerships with other carriers, and deploying upgraded cabin products progressively.”

He added: “Japan and Vietnam have both emerged as fast-growing destinations for Indian travellers, while India’s economic and commercial ties with both nations continue to deepen and present more opportunities for business and trade on both sides. The launch of these new routes supports this growth and strengthens our presence in the region.”

According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, more than 3,15,000 Indian travellers visited Japan in 2025, marking a 35% increase compared to 2024 and nearly 80% growth from pre-pandemic levels. Vietnam is also gaining popularity among leisure travellers and corporate groups, particularly for tourism and MICE activities, with the country welcoming over 20 million visitors in 2025.

The Delhi - Hanoi flights will begin from 01 May 2026 and the Mumbai - Tokyo (Haneda) services will start from 15 June 2026. Bookings will gradually open across all channels, including Air India’s official website, mobile app, and travel agents.