Air India Switches Tokyo Airport, Expands All Nippon Codeshare
Air India Expands Direct Flights to Tokyo-Haneda: A Major Boost for Travelers
Air India is set to enhance its travel offerings by expanding direct non-stop services between Delhi and Tokyo for the summer season of 2025. Starting March 31, 2025, the airline will transition its four-times-weekly flights from Narita Airport (NRT) to Haneda Airport (HND), making it easier and more affordable for travelers to reach central Tokyo. This strategic move is designed to improve travel efficiency for passengers, providing faster access to the bustling heart of the city.
New Flight Schedule from Delhi to Tokyo-Haneda
Under the updated schedule, flights will depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi at 20:20 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving at Tokyo-Haneda Airport (HND) at 07:55 the next day. Return flights (AI357) will leave Haneda at 11:50 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, landing back in Delhi at 17:25 (local time).
- Flight Details:
- Outbound: Delhi (DEL) to Tokyo-Haneda (HND) – AI358
- Return: Tokyo-Haneda (HND) to Delhi (DEL) – AI357
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Capacity: 256 passengers (18 in business class, 238 in economy)
This new schedule is tailored to facilitate seamless connections for travelers coming from various domestic and international destinations.
Advantages of Haneda Airport
Switching to Haneda Airport provides significant advantages for Air India passengers. Located just 12 miles (18 km) from downtown Tokyo, Haneda reduces travel time to Tokyo Station from nearly one hour to approximately 30 minutes by road. This change not only enhances convenience but also offers cost-effective transportation options, enriching the overall travel experience for passengers.
Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “Moving our flights to Haneda Airport is a significant advantage for our guests – it brings them much closer to the center of Tokyo.” This transition is expected to foster increased trade and tourism between India and Japan.
Enhanced Codeshare Agreement with All Nippon Airways
In conjunction with the move to Haneda, Air India has announced an expansion of its codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Star Alliance partner. Effective April 1, 2025, subject to regulatory approval, Air India will offer codeshare flights to six new destinations in Japan:
- Fukuoka
- Hiroshima
- Nagoya
- Okinawa
- Osaka
- Sapporo
This codeshare expansion allows Air India passengers to book travel to these destinations on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to the final destination. Conversely, ANA will also provide access to Air India’s domestic routes, enhancing connectivity for their customers.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel Between India and Japan
The collaboration between Air India and ANA exemplifies a deepening partnership that aims to simplify travel between India and Japan. With a significant increase in Indian tourists visiting Japan—233,000 in 2024, representing a 40% rise from the previous year—this expansion is timely and strategic.
As Katsuya Goto, ANA’s Executive Vice President of Alliances and International Affairs, noted, “This expansion will provide customers with more opportunities and seamless connections, delivering a satisfying experience for premium customers.”
For travelers looking to explore the vibrant cultures of India and Japan, this new service marks an exciting opportunity. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more articles about international travel trends and airline updates.
For more information on Air India’s services and flight options, visit Air India’s official website.
