Air India expands routes and cabin classes for 2026

Between February and March 2026, Air India will begin operating its Delhi–Tokyo (Haneda) service with B787-9 aircraft in a three-class configuration, introducing Premium Economy on that route and adding approximately 2,408 seats per month between the two cities.

Network changes and frequency increases

Timetables for Northern Summer 2026 show a clear push to grow capacity on long-haul markets. Frequency increases and aircraft swaps are concentrated on North America and East Asia corridors, with targeted seat additions and product upgrades to improve competitiveness on premium-heavy flows.

• From 1 March 2026, Delhi–Toronto rises from seven to ten weekly flights.
• Delhi–Seoul (Incheon) increases from five to six weekly flights.
• Delhi–Shanghai increases from four to five weekly flights.
• Starting 1 July 2026, Mumbai–London (Heathrow) will shift from B777-300ER to a mix of new B787-9 and retrofitted B787-8 aircraft with all-new cabin interiors.
• From 1 August 2026, Bengaluru–London (Heathrow) will operate with retrofitted B787-8 aircraft and introduce Premium Economy.

Route summary table

Cabin retrofits and product rollout

A multi-pronged cabin strategy will see Premium Economy rolled out on additional long-haul sectors while First Class returns on select services. The retrofit program targets 26 legacy B787-8 airframes for complete interior refreshes and application of the airline’s updated livery; the first two aircraft are due back in service within weeks.

• Delhi–Melbourne: Upgraded B777-300ER with eight First Class suites, 40 business flatbeds, and 280 economy seats (adds nearly 4,000 monthly seats).
• Flights to Birmingham from Amritsar and Delhi, and to London (Gatwick) from Ahmedabad and Amritsar will operate with B777-300ERs, introducing First Class on these routes.
• Multiple sectors will receive three-class layouts on new B787-9 units, improving premium connectivity for corporate and leisure travelers.

What the cabin changes mean operationally

Introducing Premium Economy and reinstating First Class impacts weight-and-balance plans, onboard service provisioning, and ground handling requirements. Catering, amenity kits, and lounge access rules will need alignment across station teams. From a logistics viewpoint, a phased retrofit schedule reduces fleet constraints while allowing marketing to announce seat sales ahead of summer peak travel.

Fleet deliveries and retrofit timeline

Air India expects the delivery of three new B787-9 and two A350-1000 aircraft during 2026. The retrofit program for the 26 B787-8 aircraft will continue through the year, with the first two returning to service shortly. The combined effect will be a material uplift in premium seat kilometers and product consistency across strategic long-haul lanes.

Operational ripple effects for marine leisure and charters

Improved connectivity to markets like Toronto, Melbourne, and London trickles into the boating and yacht charter world. Easier access and more premium seats make it simpler for charter operators and superyacht owners to reposition crew and guests to marinas and destinations. As any charter captain will tell you, a reliable flight schedule is half the battle when planning a transoceanic reposition—missed legs can turn a smooth itinerary into smoke in the water.

For GetBoat.com readers: yacht owners, charter brokers, and captains should note that restored First Class and added Premium Economy can change how charters are sold and timed. More weekly flights to major gateways reduce deadhead travel for crew and allow flexible embark/disembark points near marinas, beaches, and gulf-side harbors.

In short, Air India’s Northern Summer 2026 plan combines increased frequencies, a targeted fleet refresh, and product enhancements—Premium Economy on new routes, reintroduction of First Class on select sectors, and retrofitted B787-8 interiors—backed by incoming B787-9 and A350-1000 deliveries. These moves add seats, raise service levels, and improve global connectivity, which also benefits the boating and charter markets by easing movement of guests, captains, and crew to marinas and yachting Destinations. Summary: expanded routes and frequencies, upgraded cabins, fleet modernisation—boosting options for travellers, yacht charters, and boating activities on the sea, ocean, lake and gulf, and helping captains and brokers plan better for rent, sale and superyacht movements.