About Air India
Air India is India's flag carrier, founded in 1932 and now part of Tata Group since 2022. The airline operates long-haul flights to North America, Europe, Australia, and across Asia, alongside an extensive domestic network. A Star Alliance member with a modernising fleet of Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A350s.
How punctual is Air India? On-time performance
Air India flights depart on time 81.7% of the time (DGCA, September 2026), making it the 3rd most punctual major airline in India.
81.7% on-time Air India · DGCA on-time performance DGCA, September 2026
| Airline | On-time % |
|---|---|
| IndiGo | 91.1% |
| Akasa Air | 90.8% |
| Air India Group | 81.7% |
| Alliance Air | 75% |
| SpiceJet | 16.6% |
Key facts about Air India
- India's flag carrier since 1932, acquired by Tata Group in January 2022 after 69 years as a government airline
- Star Alliance member since 2014, earn and redeem miles across 26 partner airlines worldwide
- Operates non-stop flights to the USA (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Newark), UK, Australia, Canada, and 50+ countries
- Youngest wide-body fleet of any Indian airline, deploying Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and B777 on long-haul routes
⏱ On-time performance
Based on DGCA Flight Reliability Report data (India domestic operations):
Source: DGCA's monthly traffic report, the latest month published. On-time is measured at ten major airports (Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Guwahati, Lucknow).
Air India fare range
Based on 35,339 fare observations across 500 routes over the last 30 days:
Popular Air India routes
Most-tracked routes we see Air India operating, with typical economy fares:
Air India information
Offers on Air India flights
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Special fares for students, senior citizens & defence personnel
Tick the fare type in the search box to see these fares where an airline offers them. No promo code is needed.
Some airlines offer student fares to students over 12, at times with extra baggage. Tick Student in the search box; any discount shows on each fare. Not every airline offers one. Carry a valid student ID (and a student visa where needed) to check-in.
Some airlines offer senior citizen fares to travellers aged 60 and above. Tick Senior citizen in the search box to see them; no promo code is needed. Carry proof of your date of birth to check-in.
For serving and retired personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces, and their dependants. Tick Defence in the search box to see defence fares. A valid military ID is needed for every passenger at check-in.
Frequently asked questions about Air India
What is the cheapest Air India fare I can get on HappyFares?
Air India economy fares on HappyFares typically range from ₹7,636 to ₹2,38,074, with a typical fare of ₹90,811 based on 35,339 fare observations across 500 routes. Book early and use HappyFares price alerts to catch the lowest fares.
How do I do web check-in for Air India?
Air India web check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before departure. Visit the Air India check-in portal at https://www.airindia.com/check-in or use the Air India mobile app. On HappyFares, we provide step-by-step web check-in instructions for Air India at happyfares.in.
What is Air India's baggage allowance?
Air India baggage allowance, from Air India's published policy: domestic checked baggage is Economy: Value 15 kg · Classic 20 kg · Flex 25 kg • Business 30, 40 kg • First 40 kg (weight concept). International checked baggage: Weight regions (Gulf/Africa, SE Asia, AUNZ, SAARC): Economy 25, 30 kg · Business 40, 45 kg. Piece regions (USA/Canada, Europe/UK, Japan/Korea, Israel): Economy 2 × 23 kg (Value 1 × 23 kg) · Business/First 2 × 32 kg. Cabin baggage: Economy & Premium Economy 7 kg; Business & First 10 kg, plus 1 personal item up to 3 kg. Excess baggage rates and infant rules are on the HappyFares Air India baggage allowance page. Check your fare at booking and the Air India official policy at https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage-guidelines.html before you fly.
How do I contact Air India customer care?
Air India India customer care number is 0124-264 1407. You can also reach them via the official Air India website at www.airindia.com. For HappyFares bookings made on Air India, contact HappyFares support at www.happyfares.in/help.
Is Air India part of an airline alliance?
Air India is a member of the Star Alliance alliance. This means Air India frequent flyer miles can often be earned and redeemed across Star Alliance partner airlines. Check Air India's loyalty programme website for the full list of partner benefits.
How do I check my Air India PNR status?
You can check your Air India PNR (Passenger Name Record) status on the official Air India website under Manage Booking. Enter your 6-character PNR and last name to view booking confirmation, seat assignment, and e-ticket details. If you booked via HappyFares, your PNR is visible in the HappyFares app under My Bookings. You can also use our Air India PNR status guide for step-by-step instructions.
How do I track my Air India flight status?
To check live Air India (AI) flight status, visit the Air India flight status page on HappyFares. You can also check directly on the Air India website or via the AirSewa mobile app (for Indian carriers). Enter the AI flight number to see real-time departure/arrival times, delays, and gate information. Check status 2–3 hours before departure for the most accurate update.
What are the most popular Air India routes from India?
Air India operates flights on the following popular routes: Singapore to Chennai, Hyderabad to Sydney, Dubai to Patna, Ahmedabad to Melbourne, Chennai to Singapore. Compare Air India fares and book tickets on HappyFares with zero convenience fee (promo code HFNCF).
Is Air India government-owned or private?
Air India was privatised in January 2022 when Tata Sons completed the acquisition from the Government of India for ₹18,000 crore. It is now part of the Tata Group alongside Vistara (merged) and Air India Express. Air India remains India's national flag carrier.
What is Air India's Flying Returns programme?
Flying Returns is Air India's frequent-flyer programme. Members earn FR Points on every Air India and Star Alliance flight. Points can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and partner rewards. Elite tiers are Silver, Gold, and Platinum with lounge access and priority services.
Does Air India fly non-stop to the USA?
Yes. Air India operates non-stop flights from Delhi (DEL) to New York JFK, San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD), and Newark (EWR). From Mumbai (BOM) to New York JFK. From Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco. These are some of the world's longest non-stop commercial routes.
What is Air India's baggage allowance on international flights?
Air India's international baggage allowance varies by fare class and route, always confirm at airindia.com before flying. Economy class typically allows approximately 1 piece × 23 kg checked baggage on most routes. USA/Canada-bound flights typically use piece concept (2 pieces × 23 kg each in Economy). Premium Economy typically allows 2 × 23 kg. Business class typically allows 2 × 32 kg. First class typically 2 × 32 kg. Check the official Air India baggage policy at https://www.airindia.com/in/en/travel-information/baggage.html for your specific route and fare.
Did Air India and Vistara merge?
Yes. Vistara (a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines) merged into Air India in November 2024. Former Vistara customers now fly as Air India passengers, with the Vistara brand retired. Singapore Airlines holds a ~25% stake in the merged Air India entity.
Does Air India have business class?
Yes. Air India offers Business Class on both domestic and international routes. On long-haul international flights (B787, A350, B777), Air India's "Business" cabin features lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, premium dining, lounge access, and priority services. On domestic trunk routes (Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Bengaluru, etc.), Air India offers a domestic Business Class with wider recliner seats, complimentary meals, and extra baggage allowance. Business Class passengers also enjoy Flying Returns bonus miles and priority check-in.