Air India is rolling out major improvements for Summer 2026. You will see newer cabins on more international routes. You will also get more flights on a few key sectors. As a result, some journeys may feel quite different from earlier seasons.
Most importantly, these changes focus on long haul travel. They also focus on routes with strong demand. Therefore, it is worth checking what is scheduled on your exact flight before you book.
Below is a clear, route by route guide. It is organised by date, so it is easy to follow.
What is changing in Summer 2026?
Air India is making three big moves. Together, they aim to improve comfort and add choice.
1) More aircraft with improved cabins
Air India will deploy aircraft with new, retrofitted, or upgraded cabin interiors on more international routes. In simple terms, more travellers will see refreshed cabins. That usually means a cleaner look, better fittings, and a more consistent feel across routes.
2) Premium Economy expands
Premium Economy is coming to more routes. So, you can often get extra comfort without the full cost of Business Class. This can be a practical option for long flights, especially if you want more space and a calmer cabin.
3) First Class appears on select routes
First Class is being introduced on a key long haul route. In addition, it will appear on certain UK services when the aircraft type changes. For premium travellers, this is one of the most notable upgrades.
At the same time, Air India is increasing frequency on a few routes. That means more weekly departures and more seats overall. Consequently, planning could become easier on those sectors.
Key dates at a glance
To keep things simple, the updates happen in three phases:
- Mid February to March 2026: early changes and frequency increases
- From 1 July 2026: major cabin and aircraft upgrades begin
- From 1 August 2026: Premium Economy expands further
Now, let’s break down each change.
Changes between February and March 2026
Delhi to Tokyo (Haneda): Premium Economy starts (from 14 February 2026)
From 14 February 2026, Delhi to Tokyo (Haneda) will operate with a Boeing 787-9. It will use a three class layout. As a result, Premium Economy is introduced on this route.
Why this matters:
- First, you get a new middle option between Economy and Business.
- Also, Premium Economy can feel less tiring on long flights.
- Finally, it gives travellers more choice when fares shift during peak periods.
Delhi to Toronto: more flights each week (from 1 March 2026)
From 1 March 2026, Delhi to Toronto increases from 7 to 10 flights per week. Therefore, travellers get more day and time options.
Why this matters:
- You can pick timings that better fit work and family plans.
- In addition, more flights can reduce pressure during busy weeks.
- As a result, you may find better availability across the week.
Delhi to Seoul (Incheon): extra weekly frequency (from 29 March 2026)
From 29 March 2026, Delhi to Seoul (Incheon) increases from 5 to 6 flights per week. So, planning becomes easier.
Why this matters:
- You gain flexibility when choosing travel days.
- Moreover, connections via Delhi may line up better on certain itineraries.
- Consequently, short trips can be easier to schedule.
Delhi to Shanghai: extra weekly frequency (from 29 March 2026)
From 29 March 2026, Delhi to Shanghai increases from 4 to 5 flights per week. As a result, travellers get more options on the route.
Why this matters:
- You may see improved availability on popular travel dates.
- Also, it becomes simpler to plan a trip that spans both weekdays and weekends.
- In short, one more weekly flight can make a real difference.
Upgrades from 1 July 2026
Mumbai to London (Heathrow): Dreamliner upgrade shift (from 1 July 2026)
From 1 July 2026, Mumbai to London (Heathrow) will be operated by a mix of:
- incoming Boeing 787-9 aircraft, and
- retrofitted Boeing 787-8 aircraft
Both aircraft types will feature all new cabin interiors. Meanwhile, the Boeing 777-300ER currently used on the route will no longer operate this service.
Why this matters:
- You should see a more modern cabin feel on this key route.
- However, the cabin layout may vary by aircraft type.
- Therefore, checking the aircraft shown during booking is important.
- Additionally, seat maps can look different even within the same route.
Practical tip: If you care about a specific cabin experience, check your flight again closer to departure. Aircraft assignments can change.
Delhi to Melbourne: First Class arrives (from 1 July 2026)
From 1 July 2026, Delhi to Melbourne daily flights will operate with a Boeing 777-300ER with upgraded cabin interiors. Most importantly, First Class is introduced on the route.
The planned aircraft layout includes:
- 8 First Class suites
- 40 fully flat Business Class beds
- 280 Economy seats
Why this matters:
- First Class becomes an option for India to Australia travel on this route.
- In addition, Business Class continues to offer lie flat comfort.
- Also, upgraded interiors can improve the overall cabin feel for everyone, including Economy.
If you are booking for comfort, this is a route to watch. Even so, it is still wise to confirm the aircraft type when you book.
Upgrades from 1 August 2026
Bengaluru to London (Heathrow): Premium Economy begins (from 1 August 2026)
From 1 August 2026, Bengaluru to London (Heathrow) will operate with a retrofitted Boeing 787-8 featuring new cabin interiors. As a result, Premium Economy is introduced on this route.
Why this matters:
- Bengaluru flyers get a clear comfort upgrade option.
- Furthermore, Premium Economy can suit long flights for work travel.
- So, it becomes easier to choose added comfort without going all the way to Business.
Delhi to Toronto: Premium Economy on most weekly flights (from 1 August 2026)
From 1 August 2026, 7 of the 10 weekly Delhi to Toronto flights will operate with incoming Boeing 787-9 aircraft. These aircraft have all new cabin interiors and a three class layout. Therefore, Premium Economy becomes available on those flights.
However, 3 weekly flights will continue with the Boeing 777-300ER. So, Premium Economy may not be offered on every departure.
Why this matters:
- You need to pick the right flight if Premium Economy is a must.
- Also, seat maps can differ between the aircraft types.
- Consequently, two flights on the same route might feel quite different.
Quick check: When comparing options, look at the aircraft type and the cabin list. Then, use the seat map as a final confirmation.
Additional UK changes: First Class appears on more routes
Air India will also shift certain UK services to the Boeing 777-300ER. This replaces the legacy Boeing 787-8 on those services. As a result, First Class is introduced on:
- Birmingham from Amritsar and Delhi
- London (Gatwick) from Ahmedabad and Amritsar
Why this matters:
- An aircraft swap can change seat count by cabin.
- Moreover, it can change the onboard feel and layout.
- Therefore, it may affect both upgrades and seat selection.
If you fly these routes often, it is worth checking the cabin list before booking, especially if you want First Class.
The fleet plan behind the upgrades
These upgrades are supported by fleet changes. Air India is continuing a retrofit programme for legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft. In addition, the airline expects more aircraft to join the fleet during 2026.
Why this matters:
- Retrofitted aircraft help speed up cabin improvements across routes.
- Also, new deliveries can support route growth and better product spread.
- As a result, passengers may see more consistent cabins over time.
In other words, this is not a one off update. Instead, it is part of a wider push to modernise the long haul experience.
How to book smart: quick tips for travellers
These updates are route based. Even so, your exact flight still matters. Therefore, follow these simple steps.
1) Check the aircraft type before paying
The aircraft type often decides what cabins are available. It can also hint at which cabin interior you will get.
2) If you want Premium Economy, choose carefully
On some routes, Premium Economy is offered only on certain weekly flights. So, compare flights by aircraft type, not just by time.
3) Recheck closer to departure
Aircraft can change for operational reasons. Therefore, it is smart to check again a few days before you fly.
4) Use the seat map as a final check
Seat maps help confirm cabin layout. In addition, they show if Premium Economy is present on that specific flight.
Frequently asked questions
Which routes get Premium Economy in these updates?
Premium Economy is introduced on Delhi to Tokyo (Haneda) and Bengaluru to London (Heathrow). It also becomes available on most Delhi to Toronto weekly flights from August 2026.
Which routes introduce First Class?
First Class is introduced on Delhi to Melbourne from July 2026. It is also introduced on certain Birmingham and London (Gatwick) services after an aircraft change.
Will every Delhi to Toronto flight have Premium Economy?
No. Most weekly flights will, but some will operate with a different aircraft. Therefore, check the aircraft type when booking.
Final takeaway
Air India’s Summer 2026 plan is a real upgrade. It is not a small tweak. More routes get refreshed cabins. At the same time, Premium Economy spreads to new markets. Finally, First Class returns on select services.
If you want the best experience, focus on the details. First, pick the right date. Next, pick the right flight. Then, confirm the aircraft type and cabin list. As a result, you are far more likely to get the cabin you actually want.
If you share your target audience, for example frequent flyers, families, or business travellers, I can adjust the tone and add a short “best flights to book” section for each route while keeping sentences simple and readable.
