Air India has officially resumed non-stop flights between Delhi and Rome, marking the airline's return to the Italian capital after nearly six years. The inaugural flight, AI123, departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport on March 25, 2026, landing at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport the same evening.
This is a significant moment for Indian travelers — Italy has always been a dream destination, but getting there typically meant layovers in Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul that added 4-6 hours to the journey. Now, you can fly direct in about 9 hours.
Flight Details
The service operates four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The aircraft features 18 fully flat beds in Business Class and 238 seats in Economy Class.
Schedule:
- AI123 Delhi (DEL) to Rome (FCO): Departs 1:15 PM, arrives 6:55 PM (local time)
- AI122 Rome (FCO) to Delhi (DEL): Departs 8:50 PM, arrives 9:00 AM+1
The timing is well-designed — you depart Delhi after lunch, arrive in Rome by evening, and have the next morning to start exploring. On the return, you leave Rome after dinner and wake up in Delhi.
Fares
Air India launched the route with introductory round-trip fares starting at ₹49,999 in Economy Class. Business Class fares start at approximately ₹1,25,000 round trip. These introductory fares are available for travel through June 2026, subject to availability.
For context, connecting flights via Gulf carriers typically cost ₹45,000-65,000 round trip but take 14-16 hours. The direct flight saves you half a day each way — worth considering even at a slight premium.
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Air India's Growing European Network
Rome becomes Air India's eighth destination in mainland Europe and the second in Italy after Milan. The full European network from Delhi now includes Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Rome, Vienna, and Zurich — plus three points in the UK.
Air India has indicated that as more widebody aircraft are delivered through 2026-27, frequencies on existing routes will increase and Mumbai may be developed as a second international hub.
Why This Matters for Indian Travelers
Italy is one of the most desired destinations for Indians. The Colosseum, Vatican City, the canals of Venice, Tuscany's vineyards, and the Amalfi Coast consistently top Indian travel wishlists. But until now, most travelers relied on Gulf airline connections.
The direct flight changes the equation:
- Time savings: 9 hours direct vs. 14-16 hours with a connection
- Convenience: No transit visa complications at stopover airports
- Gateway to Southern Europe: Easy train or budget airline connections from Rome to Florence, Venice, Naples, Barcelona, and Athens
- Diaspora connectivity: Over 200,000 Indians live in Italy, making this route important for family visits
Planning an Italy Trip from India
If the new direct flight has you dreaming of Roman holidays, here's a quick planning framework:
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October. Summer (July-August) is peak season with higher prices and crowds. Winter is cheaper but colder.
Visa: Indians need a Schengen visa for Italy. Apply through VFS Global in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, or Kolkata. Processing takes about 9 working days. You'll need confirmed flight bookings, hotel reservations, bank statements, and travel insurance.
Budget for 7 days in Italy (per person):
- Budget: ₹1,00,000-1,50,000 (hostels, street food, trains)
- Mid-range: ₹1,50,000-2,50,000 (3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours)
- Luxury: ₹3,00,000+ (boutique hotels, fine dining, private guides)
Classic 7-day route: Rome (3 days) → Florence (2 days) → Venice (2 days). Add the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre if you have 10 days.
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The Bigger Picture
Air India's expansion into Europe is part of a broader transformation under Tata Group ownership. The airline has been retrofitting its fleet, improving service quality, and aggressively adding routes. For Indian travelers, this means more direct flight options to dream destinations — without the stopover tax on your time.
With Rome now on the map, the two destinations Air India hasn't yet resumed from its pre-pandemic network are Madrid and Stockholm. Based on the current trajectory, those may not be far behind.
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