Air India is set to significantly enhance its connectivity with Japan, ushering in a new era of convenient travel. Starting 31 March 2025, the airline will relocate its four weekly flights from Delhi to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
This will replace its previous service to Narita International Airport (NRT). This strategic move promises passengers faster, more affordable access to the central hub of Tokyo.
Complementing the move to Haneda, Air India has also announced an expanded codeshare agreement with its Star Alliance partner, ANA.
Haneda Airport: Cutting Travel Time
The shift to Haneda, a mere 18 kilometers from downtown Tokyo, is a game-changer for travelers. It will halve travel time to Tokyo Station from nearly an hour (from Narita’s 70 km distance) to just 30 minutes.
This substantial reduction in commute time not only saves valuable hours but also translates to more cost-effective transportation options, enriching the overall travel experience.
“Moving our flights to Haneda Airport is a significant advantage for our guests – it brings them much closer to the centre of Tokyo,” emphasized Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.
“With this shift, we are not only connecting two vibrant capitals more effectively but also helping boost trade and tourism between India and Japan.”
Strengthening Ties with All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Complementing the move to Haneda, Air India has also announced an expanded codeshare agreement with its Star Alliance partner, ANA.
Subject to regulatory approvals, from April 1, 2025, Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on ANA flights connecting Tokyo Haneda to six key Japanese cities. These are Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo.
This will allow Air India passengers to seamlessly travel to these destinations on a single ticket, with their baggage checked through to their final destination.
Conversely, ANA will place its ‘NH’ code on Air India flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, as well as on flights connecting Delhi to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
This reciprocal agreement will provide ANA customers with effortless access to Air India’s extensive domestic network within India.
Building on Codeshare Agreement
This expansion builds upon the existing codeshare agreement established in April of the previous year, which initially allowed Air India to codeshare on ANA’s Tokyo Haneda-Delhi and Tokyo-Narita-Mumbai flights, and ANA to codeshare on Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo services.
“Our deepened partnership with ANA opens up Japan like never before for our guests,” stated Aggarwal. “By providing easy access for our guests to ANA’s domestic Japan network, combined with ANA’s reach into Air India’s extensive Indian network, we’re creating a stronger bridge between our two nations—making travel simpler and truly rewarding for our common guests.”
Katsuya Goto, ANA’s Executive Vice President of Alliances and International Affairs added comment. “To promote increased exchange between Japan and India, ANA is expanding its codeshare partnership with Star Alliance partner Air India to enhance its network.”
“This expansion, with a focus on the increased codeshare options from Delhi to six destinations within India, will provide customers with more opportunities and seamless connections, delivering a satisfying experience for premium customers in particular.”
“This is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to provide a superior travel experience for customers flying between Japan and India.”
Passengers flying on these codeshare flights will enjoy premium services, including lounge access and priority boarding, benefits offered by Star Alliance to its premium members.
Surging Tourism Between India and Japan
The growing appeal of Japan as a travel destination for Indian tourists is undeniable. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 233,000 Indians visited Japan between January and December 2024, marking a remarkable 40% increase from the previous year.
Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details
Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo Haneda flights will operate with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, featuring 18 Business Class flatbeds and 238 spacious Economy seats. The flight schedule is as follows:
- AI358: Departs Delhi (DEL) at 2020 Hrs, arrives next day at Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 0755 Hrs – operates Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays.
- AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 11:50, arrives at Delhi (DEL) at 17:25 – operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays.
These flights will facilitate seamless connections to and from numerous domestic Indian destinations, as well as international routes across Asia and Europe.
Air India’s strategic move to Haneda and the enhanced partnership with ANA are poised to strengthen the ties between India and Japan, fostering increased tourism and trade.
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