About Air India
Air India is India's legacy national carrier — the flag-bearer that's been connecting the subcontinent to the world for decades. With 286 non-stop routes across 87 airports, this isn't a budget operation or a regional hopper. It's a full-service airline built around a massive domestic spine, with long-haul reach into the US, UK, the Gulf, and Europe. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (DEL) is the real engine here, running 79 routes on its own. If you're flying to or through India, Air India is probably already on your shortlist whether you planned it or not.
Why fly Air India?
The honest answer? Reach. If you need to get into India specifically — not just a nearby hub — Air India's 213 India routes mean you've got options that other carriers simply can't match. I've personally found that routing through DEL opens up connections that would take forever on a one-stop-then-another itinerary with a European carrier. The long-haul routes are worth knowing about too. That Kolkata to San Francisco run (CCU-SFO) clocks in at 12,578 km — one of the longest single hops you'll find anywhere. For travelers in eastern India heading stateside, that's a genuinely useful option that skips an extra transit entirely. Price-wise, Air India tends to sit competitively on India routes, especially when demand spikes around Diwali or summer holidays when every other airline charges accordingly.
Air India hub airports
- DEL Delhi — 79 Air India routes from India
- BOM Mumbai — 45 Air India routes from India
- CCU Kolkata — 5 Air India routes from India
- MAA Chennai — 5 Air India routes from India
- BLR Bengaluru — 4 Air India routes from India
Top destination countries on Air India
- India — 213 Air India routes
- USA — 11 Air India routes
- United Kingdom — 7 Air India routes
- Saudi Arabia — 5 Air India routes
- Italy — 5 Air India routes
- Canada — 4 Air India routes
- Thailand — 3 Air India routes
- Singapore — 3 Air India routes
Tips for booking Air India
Book directly through Air India's site and double-check your baggage allowance before you assume — it varies more than you'd expect between fare classes and routes. DEL is your best connecting hub by far; BOM (Mumbai) works too with 45 routes, but if you're transiting, Delhi gives you the most onward flexibility. First-timers should know that Air India's service quality can be inconsistent — some flights feel genuinely polished, others less so. Set expectations accordingly rather than assuming business and economy feel identical across the network. And check whether your specific route falls under a codeshare, because that can affect everything from seat selection to how you handle disruptions.
Frequently asked questions about Air India
Where does Air India fly?
Air India operates 286 routes connecting major destinations across India, the United States, and the United Kingdom, serving as a key international carrier for travel between these regions.
What is Air India's main hub?
Air India's primary hub is Delhi (DEL), which serves as the central connection point for most of its domestic and international flights.
What type of airline is Air India?
Air India is a full-service legacy carrier offering thorough flight networks, amenities, and services across both domestic and international routes.
When should I book Air India flights and what fare classes are available?
It's generally recommended to book Air India flights 2-3 months in advance for better fares, and the airline typically offers multiple fare classes ranging from economy to premium cabin options depending on your route.
What are Air India's baggage allowance and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route, so it's best to check your specific booking details; online check-in is typically available 24 hours before departure, with airport check-in opening 2-3 hours before international flights.