Air India expands Japan connectivity for Indian travellers; launches direct flights between Delhi and Osaka

Air India has announced the introduction of four weekly non-stop flights between Delhi and Osaka's Kansai International Airport from February 2, 2027, expanding air connectivity between India and Japan. The new service will make Air India the only airline operating direct flights on the Delhi-Osaka route. The airline will deploy its Boeing 787-8 aircraft on the route, which will become its second destination in Japan after Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

Air India currently operates daily flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, along with four weekly services from Mumbai to the Japanese capital. The addition of Osaka will provide Indian travellers with another direct option for visiting Japan, whether for tourism, business or family travel.

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Delhi-Osaka flight schedule

The new service, AI360, will depart Delhi at 10.50 pm and arrive in Osaka at 9.50 am the following day. The flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The return service, AI359, will leave Osaka at 11.50 am and reach Delhi at 6.20 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. All timings are local.

The schedule is designed to allow passengers to connect to other destinations across Air India's domestic and international network through Delhi. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating on the route will have 18 full-flat beds in Business Class and 241 seats in Economy Class.

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More flexibility for Indian travellers

The new route will also allow passengers to book open-jaw itineraries, flying into Osaka and returning from Tokyo, or travelling in the opposite direction. This can help Indian visitors plan trips covering multiple Japanese cities without having to return to their original arrival airport.

Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo form part of Japan's popular Golden Route, which attracts visitors interested in the country's cultural attractions, food and urban experiences. Direct flights to Osaka could make it easier for Indian travellers to include western Japan in their itineraries.

Air India also detailed that the bookings for the Delhi-Osaka flights are being progressively opened through its official website, mobile application, customer contact centre, airport ticketing offices and travel agents worldwide.

Japan sees increase in Indian visitors

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), more than 315,000 Indian visitors travelled to Japan in 2025. This was a 35% increase over 2024 and nearly 80% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Japan has been attracting more Indian visitors, supported by interest in its tourism, cultural and culinary experiences, as well as growing business and people-to-people ties between the two countries.