The year 2025 was challenging for air travel in India. Flights were delayed, cancelled or rescheduled because of technical issues and staff shortages, while operational disruptions left passengers waiting for answers instead of boarding gates. Many people began avoiding non-essential trips because they were unsure if their flights would even take off. The year also carried the painful memory of the June 12 Ahmedabad crash, a tragedy that shook confidence across the country and reminded us how fragile air travel can be.
After a year of stress and uncertainty, stepping into 2026 feels like finally being able to breathe and look ahead with hope that the skies will be kinder this time, even after the roughest turbulence.
With renewed confidence on the tarmac, a fresh chapter is now taking off as a new widebody aircraft joins the country’s flagship fleet, marking a move toward upgraded long-haul travel for Indian passengers.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 line-fitted for Air India, touched down at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday after a non-stop ferry flight of 16 hours and 58 minutes from Everett in Washington. Operated by a four-member cockpit crew, the landing represented a clear intention to raise service and comfort standards for international travellers.
Registered as VT-AWA, the jet features 296 seats across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The interiors were installed directly on Boeing’s production line and will be showcased in detail over the coming weeks.
The delivery also sets the tone for what is expected to be a milestone year for Air India. Six widebody aircraft, including Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787-9s, are scheduled for delivery through 2026. In parallel, 26 legacy Boeing 787-8s are undergoing retrofit upgrades with new cabins, refreshed livery and modern branding. By year-end, nearly 60 percent of the widebody fleet is expected to feature the updated interior standard.
Meanwhile, the new Boeing 787-9 is slated to enter long-haul international commercial service in February 2026, with route schedules to be announced soon.
With upgraded aircraft, modern cabins, and long-haul readiness, Air India is set to restore confidence and redefine world-class flying.
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