Air India to launch non-stop Delhi-Osaka flights in February 2027, boosting travel to Japan

Air India will introduce non-stop flights between New Delhi and Osaka from February 2, 2027, expanding its services to Japan as demand for travel between the two countries grows. The service will operate four times a week between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and Kansai International Airport in Osaka. The airline will use Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on the route, according to its announcement. The new connection will provide travellers with direct access to Osaka, a major commercial and tourism hub in western Japan. It will also offer an alternative entry point for visitors planning trips to Kyoto, Nara and other destinations in the Kansai region. The flights will depart Delhi late in the evening, arriving in Osaka the following morning. Return services will leave Osaka around midday and arrive in Delhi in the evening, allowing passengers to plan their journeys around the overnight schedule. Air India will operate flight AI360 from Delhi to Osaka on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The return flight, AI359, will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft deployed on the route will feature 18 Business Class seats and 241 Economy Class seats. A new entry point for Japan travel Osaka is a popular base for exploring western Japan, with high-speed rail connections to Kyoto and other major cities. Visitors can explore the region's historic temples, traditional neighbourhoods and food districts, while attractions such as Universal Studios Japan draw families and leisure travellers. The new route could also make multi-city itineraries easier to organise, allowing travellers to arrive in Osaka and depart from Tokyo, or follow the reverse route, without having to return to their original arrival city. Japan has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian travellers. More than 315,000 Indian visitors travelled to Japan in 2025, an increase of approximately 35% over the previous year, according to figures cited by the Japan National Tourism Organization. Air India currently operates daily flights between Delhi and Tokyo's Haneda Airport, along with four weekly services between Mumbai and Tokyo. The Osaka route will add another direct link between India and Japan. Bookings for the new service are being opened through Air India's website, mobile app and other authorised booking channels. Travellers should check the airline's website for current fares, availability and the latest flight schedules before making travel plans. The launch will give Indian travellers another option for reaching Japan, particularly those looking to explore destinations beyond Tokyo.