Travel routes between Asia, Europe, and North America have been under pressure in recent weeks as airlines adjust operations due to the situation in West Asia. With fewer options available and demand still high, Air India is stepping in with extra capacity.
The airline has announced 78 additional international flights between 10 and 18 March 2026, connecting India with major gateways in Europe, the United States, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
For travellers trying to find seats during a tight travel window, this move adds much-needed flexibility.
Extra Flights Aim to Ease Capacity Crunch
As per a press release issued by Air India, the new services will operate on nine international routes, including key European hubs and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
The routes include:
- Delhi – New York (JFK)
- Delhi – London Heathrow
- Mumbai – London Heathrow
- Delhi – Frankfurt
- Delhi – Paris Charles de Gaulle
- Delhi – Amsterdam
- Delhi – Zurich
- Delhi – Malé
- Delhi – Colombo
Across both directions, the added flights will bring 17,660 extra seats to the market.
According to Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, the airline is continuing to maintain connections with Europe and North America despite operational challenges.
Airlines are currently using alternative routings that are considered safe for operations. The goal is simple: keep travellers moving while other travel options remain limited.
Aircraft Used on These Routes
Different aircraft will operate these additional services depending on the route:
- Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for European routes
- Airbus A320neo for Malé and Colombo
- Boeing 777-300ER for New York flights
Flights to New York are still subject to regulatory approvals before they operate.
Complete Schedule of Air India’s Additional Flights (10–18 March 2026)
Delhi – London Heathrow
Additional flights connect Delhi and London Heathrow, offering extra seats for travellers between India and the UK.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI165 | Delhi → London Heathrow | 12:25 | 18:00 | 11, 13, 15, 18 Mar |
| AI166 | London Heathrow → Delhi | 19:30 | 10:20 (+1) | 11, 13, 15, 18 Mar |
Mumbai – London Heathrow
Extra Mumbai–London Heathrow flights help meet strong travel demand on one of the busiest India–UK routes.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI4131 | Mumbai → London Heathrow | 01:25 | 06:40 | 12, 14 Mar |
| AI4130 | London Heathrow → Mumbai | 08:10 | 22:55 | 12, 14 Mar |
Delhi – Frankfurt
Additional Delhi–Frankfurt services provide more options for travellers heading to Germany and wider Europe.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI121 | Delhi → Frankfurt | 12:30 | 17:50 | Daily (10–18 Mar, except 14 Mar) |
| AI120 | Frankfurt → Delhi | 19:20 | 08:50 (+1) | Daily (10–18 Mar, except 14 Mar) |
Delhi – Amsterdam
Extra flights between Delhi and Amsterdam increase capacity for travellers connecting across the Netherlands and Europe.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI4155 | Delhi → Amsterdam | 12:30 | 18:00 | 12, 14, 16 Mar |
| AI4156 | Amsterdam → Delhi | 19:35 | 09:00 (+1) | 12, 14, 16 Mar |
Delhi – Paris (CDG)
Special Delhi–Paris flights add more travel options for passengers heading to France this March.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI177 | Delhi → Paris | 14:30 | 20:40 | 15 Mar |
| AI178 | Paris → Delhi | 22:15 | 12:00 (+1) | 15 Mar |
Delhi – Zurich
Additional flight services between Delhi and Zurich offer more choices for travellers heading to Switzerland.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI151 | Delhi → Zurich | 13:35 | 19:00 | 10, 17 Mar |
| AI152 | Zurich → Delhi | 20:35 | 10:00 (+1) | 10, 17 Mar |
Delhi – New York (JFK)*
Extra Delhi–New York flights add capacity on a key India–US long-haul route. Subject to regulatory approvals
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI4101 | Delhi → New York (JFK) | 05:35 | 17:05 | 12, 14, 17 Mar |
| AI4102 | New York (JFK) → Delhi | 20:05 | 20:30 (+1) | 12, 14, 17 Mar |
Delhi – Malé
Daily extra flights connect Delhi and Malé, making it easier to travel to and from the Maldives.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI3201 | Delhi → Malé | 02:00 | 05:45 | Daily (10–18 Mar) |
| AI3202 | Malé → Delhi | 06:45 | 11:30 | Daily (10–18 Mar) |
Delhi – Colombo
Additional Delhi–Colombo flights provide more options for travellers visiting Sri Lanka.
| Flight | Route | Departure | Arrival | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI3203 | Delhi → Colombo | 00:15 | 04:00 | Daily (10–17 Mar, except 11 Mar) |
| AI3204 | Colombo → Delhi | 05:00 | 08:45 | Daily (10–17 Mar, except 11 Mar) |
Bookings Now Opening
Air India says these flights are gradually opening for bookings across all sales channels. Travellers can reserve seats through the airline’s website, mobile app, or travel agents.
For passengers planning trips to Europe, the United States, or nearby destinations in the Indian Ocean in mid-March, these extra services could make finding a seat much easier.
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