DALLAS — Air India (AI) will move its Delhi-Tokyo service from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Haneda Airport (HND), significantly improving connectivity between India and Japan.
The move, effective March 31, 2025, offers swifter access to central Tokyo, which fits into AI’s broader plan to enhance connectivity worldwide. It is also expanding codeshare arrangements with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, to provide travel options throughout Japan.
Why Haneda Over Narita?
Tokyo’s two large international airports are Narita, far from the city center and much closer to Haneda. Just under 18 km from central Tokyo, Haneda enables passengers to get to Tokyo Station in around half an hour; the journey from Narita can take an hour or more. It saves travelers precious minutes and reduces transportation costs—taxi prices from Narita to central Tokyo can run up to over USD$170. In contrast, Haneda offers the Monorail and the cheaper Keikyu Line.
The shift also improves domestic connectivity since Haneda is Japan’s leading domestic hub. ANA, AI’s partner in the Star Alliance, has a larger footprint at Haneda, offering smooth onward flight connections to all major Japanese cities. Business travelers also favor the airport; many international airlines have moved to Haneda for its accessibility.
Revised Flight Schedule to Haneda
AI will continue its four-weekly Delhi-Tokyo flights on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which has 18 Business Class flatbeds and 238 Economy seats. By scheduling the new flights to better connect with ANA's domestic network, AI will provide seamless transfer options into the deep Japanese interior for people traveling to other parts of the country beyond Tokyo.
- AI358: Leave Delhi at 20:20 and arrive at Tokyo Haneda at 07:55 (next day) — Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat
- AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda 11:50, arrives Delhi 17:25 – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays
The redesigned departure timings help synchronize well with connecting flights and hold better alternatives for Indian and Japanese travelers.
Expanded Codeshare with ANA
The move to Haneda only adds to AI’s expanded codeshare partnership with ANA, effective April 1, 2025 (pending regulatory approvals). From October 2023, AI will add its "AI" designator code to domestic flights from Haneda to:
- Fukuoka (FUK)
- Hiroshima (HIJ)
- Nagoya (NGO)
- Okinawa (OKA)
- Osaka (ITM)
- Sapporo (CTS)
In exchange, ANA will add its “NH” code to AI’s services on the Delhi-Tokyo Haneda corridor and important domestic Indian sectors, including:
- Ahmedabad (AMD)
- Bengaluru (BLR)
- Chennai (MAA)
- Hyderabad (HYD)
- Kolkata (CCU)
- Pune (PNQ)
Star Alliance benefits, such as access to lounges, priority boarding, and seamless baggage transfers, will apply to customers on codeshare flights. That and a single ticket covering the whole journey makes for stress-free travel.
Boosting India-Japan Connectivity
India and Japan enjoy robust economic, trade, and cultural linkages, and travel between the two countries has increased significantly. Japan recorded 233,000 Indian visitors between January and November 2024, a 40% increase from the previous year. The move of AI to Haneda will further promote this demand, providing Indian travelers with an even more convenient gateway to Japan.
The move will also ease business travel as large Japanese companies expand their footprint in India and Indian firms set up operations in Japan. The move to Haneda reinforces AI’s presence in the Asia-Pacific market, allowing it to contend more effectively with other international carriers.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
The route is served by the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the newest and most spacious aircraft on long-haul routes. Passengers can expect:
- Lie-flat Business Class seats for greater comfort on the morning flight.
- Bigger windows
- A cabin pressure environment that helps minimize jet lag.
- Top-notch inflight entertainment, offering Indian and Japanese content
- Fine dining (Indian & Japanese meal options)
In addition to Tokyo, the codeshare with ANA opens far wider travel options to Indian travelers, enabling them to access destinations across Japan far more seamlessly, with better schedules and fewer layovers.
Strategic Shift Under Tata Group
AI’s shift to Haneda is part of a larger network expansion and modernization plan implemented after Tata Group acquired the airline. After its purchase, the airline has been:
- Flotilla renewal with the new generation aircraft.
- Expansion of international routes to connect to key markets.
- Improving service to become the world’s #1 carrier again.
Moving it to Haneda also fits AI’s mandate of efficiency and passenger convenience as it now provides a more attractive offering in the India-Japan sector.
Final Thoughts
AI’s move from Narita to Haneda and increased codeshare with ANA significantly boosted India-Japan connectivity. The change shortens travel time, decreases costs, and increases access to Tokyo’s business districts. With a unified domestic network and a suite of Star Alliance benefits, travelers can look forward to a more streamlined and pleasant journey.
Reservations for the new Haneda service can be made through AI’s website, mobile app, and travel agents. The move is expected to further strengthen the bilateral air transport link by providing greater choice and convenience to travelers between the two countries.
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Featured image: Nuno Seletti/Airways
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