Air India has launched its new four-times weekly non-stop service to Rome Fiumicino, marking its return to the Italian capital after nearly six years and expanding its Mainland Europe network to eight gateways.

Flight AI123 departed Delhi at 1332 Hrs (IST) on 25 March and landed at Rome Fiumicino in the evening to a warm welcome. Dignitaries from the Indian Embassy, Fiumicino airport officials, and Air India staff greeted the flight.

The first flight was welcomed by a delegation that included H.E. Ms Vani Rao, Ambassador of India to Italy and San Marino. Mr Gaurav Gandhi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Rome, and Mr Swaminathan Krishnamoorthy, Head of Chancery, Embassy of India in Rome, were also present. Senior officials from Aeroporti Di Roma joined in. They inaugurated the departing flight from Rome, which landed in Delhi at 1029 Hrs (IST) today. The dignitaries celebrated the occasion with a traditional Indian ceremony of lamp lighting and cake cutting. They also honoured the first passenger to board the flight.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Demand for travel between India and Europe continues to grow across both leisure and business segments, making this new service a key benefit for passengers. The route reconnects two historic capital cities, enabling seamless onward travel via our Delhi hub to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This helps travellers save time and enhances business and personal ties between the nations.”

Deepening India-Italy ties

Italy remains an important partner for India in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, and the new route supports these ties. As bilateral trade exceeds USD 14 billion and there is a large Indian community in Italy, this flight meets strong demand and fosters further growth in business, family, and tourism visits.

“We are pleased to welcome Air India to Rome,” said Ivan Bassato, Chief Aviation Officer of Aeroporti di Roma. “The new Delhi connection expands our offering and meets growing travel demand. This route strengthens Rome Fiumicino as a leading Mediterranean hub for links with Asia.”

Flight schedule

Air India now operates four times a week between Delhi and Rome: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The B787-8 aircraft used for these flights features a two-class cabin configuration. It offers 18 fully flat beds in Business Class and 241 spacious Economy Class seats. Guests enjoy a comfortable flying experience, complemented by Air India’s signature warm Indian hospitality and onboard service.

The flight schedule has been designed to provide travellers with convenient connections from Delhi to several destinations in India and Southeast Asia, increasing travel efficiency for those from Italy. This enables easy access to Air India’s expanding network for both business and leisure trips.