Flights Between Delhi and Tokyo: Air India is set to enhance connectivity between India and Japan by expanding its non-stop Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service from four weekly flights to daily operations starting June 15, 2025. This development, coupled with a strategic shift to Haneda Airport, promises greater convenience for travelers and strengthens trade and tourism ties between the two nations.
Expansion to Daily Flights
Air India announced on April 29, 2025, that it will increase its Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service from four weekly flights to daily flights, effective June 15, 2025. This expansion responds to the growing demand for travel between India and Japan, offering passengers more flexibility and convenience. Operated with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the daily flights will provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience, supporting both business and leisure travellers.
Shift to Haneda Airport
The airline’s recent transition from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Haneda Airport, effective March 31, 2025, significantly reduces travel time to central Tokyo. Located just 18 km from downtown, Haneda allows passengers to reach Tokyo Station in approximately 30 minutes, compared to longer commutes from Narita. This strategic move enhances accessibility, making the daily flights more appealing for travelers seeking quick connections to Tokyo’s business and cultural hubs.
Updated Flight Schedule
The daily flight schedule, effective June 15, 2025, is designed to optimize connectivity. Flight AI358 departs Delhi (DEL) at 20:20 and arrives at Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 07:55 the next day. The return flight, AI357, departs Haneda at 11:50 and arrives in Delhi at 17:25. This schedule ensures convenient timings for passengers traveling in both directions, facilitating seamless connections for onward travel.
Codeshare Partnership with ANA
Air India’s expanded codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Star Alliance partner, enhances travel options within Japan. Passengers can connect from Haneda to six major Japanese cities—Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo—on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to their final destination. This partnership simplifies travel logistics, making it easier for passengers to explore Japan’s diverse regions.
Seamless Domestic and International Connections
The daily Delhi-Tokyo Haneda flights enable smooth connections to domestic Indian destinations, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune. Additionally, passengers can access international routes across Asia and Europe via Delhi, making the service a vital link for global travelers. This connectivity supports the growing economic and cultural exchanges between India and Japan.
Commitment to Travel Demand
Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the airline’s dedication to meeting the rising travel demand. “Expanding our Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service to daily flights reflects Air India’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for travel between India and Japan,” he stated. The enhanced service aligns with the airline’s goal of fostering stronger ties between the two nations, particularly in trade and tourism.
Impact on India-Japan Relations
The introduction of daily flights underscores the strengthening partnership between India and Japan. By improving accessibility and connectivity, Air India is facilitating increased business interactions, tourism, and cultural exchanges. The service caters to the needs of both Indian and Japanese travellers, contributing to the broader economic and diplomatic goals of both countries.
FAQs
1. When will Air India start daily flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda?
Air India will commence daily flights on the Delhi-Tokyo Haneda route starting June 15, 2025.
2. What are the benefits of the codeshare partnership with ANA?
The codeshare with ANA allows passengers to connect from Tokyo Haneda to six Japanese cities—Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo—on a single ticket with through-checked baggage.
