Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we may receive financial compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Air India Announces New Routes to U.S. With Brand New Premium Economy

Daniel Ross's image
Daniel Ross
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Click for Card Offers (Up to 300k!)

Top Partner Offers

LIMITED-TIME OFFERChase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Earn 75000 100,000 Points
BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
NEW OFFERThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Earn As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
BEST LOUNGE CARD
Platinum Card® from American Express

Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

Changes are afoot for Air India’s presence in the U.S.

Not only will the airline add 3 new nonstop services to the U.S., but it will operate aircraft with a premium economy cabin for the first time in its history.

“After a long time without significant growth, Air India is delighted to resume expanding its fleet and global footprint,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director at Air India.

Let’s take a look at what Air India’s latest news means for U.S.-based travelers.

Advertisement

Air India Plans 3 New Nonstop U.S. Routes

India’s national flag carrier, Air India, is planning to launch new nonstop services from Mumbai (BOM) to New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO).

There’ll also be a new 3-times-weekly service from Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO).

Map of new routes to the U.S. from India by Air India
Air India’s new routes to the U.S. from Bengaluru and Mumbai. Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

The new routes will be served by 5 Boeing 777-200LRs that it has just signed agreements for.

The 5 wide-body jets will be accompanied by 25 narrow-body Airbus jets that will also join the airline’s fleet.

“These new aircraft, together with existing aircraft being returned to service, address an immediate need for more capacity and connectivity, and mark a strong step forward,” said Wilson.

While the exact start dates for the new routes are yet to be released, we can estimate that the services will be inaugurated sometime between December 2022 and March 2023 when the airline expects to take delivery of the 5 additional aircraft.

Hot Tip: India is quite literally on the other side of the world from America. Flights that cover such long distances often come with a higher price tag, so we’ve put this guide together outlining the best ways to fly to India using points and miles.

Air India To Debut Premium Economy on U.S. Routes

According to Air India, the new routes to the U.S. will all feature premium economy. This will be a historical first for the airline.

Given there aren’t many airlines that have operated Boeing 777-200LRs with premium economy cabins installed, there has been some speculation about which airline’s old jets Air India will be leasing.

What we do know is that wherever these aircraft come from, the cabins are likely to be a significant upgrade to what passengers are used to when flying Air India.

Advertisement

Final Thoughts

Air India will soon be adding 5 new wide-body and 25 narrow-body jets to its fleet.

The new aircraft will make it possible for the airline to kick start 3 new routes to the U.S., as well as operate a premium economy cabin for the first time in its history.

We’ll update you as soon as we get more information about the start dates for the routes and specifics about the new aircraft.

Daniel Ross's image

About Daniel Ross

Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome Offer: 75,000 100,000 points

  • Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
Show more
  • Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
  • Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Member FDIC
DMCA.com Protection Status