Air India Shifts Delhi-Tokyo Flights to Haneda Airport, Expands Codeshare with ANA
Effective March 31, 2025, Air India will relocate its Delhi-Tokyo flights from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Haneda Airport (HND), enhancing passenger convenience with quicker access to…
Effective March 31, 2025, Air India will relocate its Delhi-Tokyo flights from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Haneda Airport (HND), enhancing passenger convenience with quicker access to central Tokyo. This strategic move reduces travel time to downtown Tokyo from nearly an hour to approximately 30 minutes, as Haneda Airport is located just 18 km from the city center.
Expanded Codeshare Agreement with ANA
In conjunction with this shift, Air India has broadened its codeshare partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), a fellow Star Alliance member. This expansion allows Air India passengers seamless connections from Tokyo Haneda to six major Japanese cities: Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo. Conversely, ANA will place its 'NH' designator code on Air India's flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, as well as on routes connecting Delhi to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
Air India will operate the Delhi-Tokyo Haneda route four times weekly using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 Business Class flatbeds and 238 Economy seats. The flight schedule is as follows:
Flight AI358: Departs Delhi at 20:20, arrives in Tokyo Haneda at 07:55 (+1 day) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Flight AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda at 11:50, arrives in Delhi at 17:25 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
This development is anticipated to strengthen tourism and business travel between India and Japan, offering passengers enhanced connectivity and convenience. Enhanced Passenger Experience and ConvenienceBy shifting operations to Haneda Airport, Air India aims to provide a more seamless travel experience for passengers. Haneda is known for its superior facilities, efficient immigration processes, and closer proximity to Tokyo’s business and tourist districts. This move will particularly benefit business travelers and tourists who want to maximize their time in the city without the long commute from Narita. Additionally, Haneda's excellent domestic connectivity through ANA allows passengers to conveniently transit to other regions in Japan.
Strengthening India-Japan Trade and Tourism
The expanded codeshare agreement and direct connectivity to Haneda are expected to boost trade and tourism between India and Japan. Business collaborations across sectors such as technology, automotive, and pharmaceuticals will benefit from more flexible travel options. Moreover, increased accessibility is likely to encourage higher inbound tourism from Japan to India, helping destinations like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai attract more visitors. The ease of travel is also expected to enhance cultural exchanges between the two nations.Air India’s move to Haneda aligns with its broader strategy to modernize operations and expand its global footprint. With the airline undergoing significant fleet upgrades and route optimizations under the Tata Group, further enhancements in services and partnerships can be expected. Additionally, if demand for the Delhi-Tokyo Haneda route increases, Air India may explore additional frequencies or aircraft upgrades, reinforcing its position as a key player in India-Japan air connectivity.
