Air India (AI), India’s leading global airline, has announced a major operational shift in Tokyo by moving its Delhi-Tokyo flights from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Haneda Airport (HND) starting March 31, 2025. This strategic move aims to provide faster and more cost-effective access to central Tokyo while enhancing travel convenience between India and Japan. In addition, Air India has expanded its codeshare agreement with All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, to improve connectivity across six additional Japanese cities.
Why the Move to Haneda?
Tokyo is served by two major international airports: Narita and Haneda. While Narita International Airport has historically been Tokyo’s main gateway for international flights, Haneda Airport offers significant advantages, especially in terms of proximity and connectivity. Haneda is only 18 km from downtown Tokyo, compared to Narita, which is approximately 70 km away. This reduced distance drastically cuts travel time for passengers commuting to and from the airport.
Another key advantage is Haneda’s superior domestic connectivity. As ANA’s primary hub, the airport offers seamless connections to major Japanese cities such as Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Okinawa. This move aligns with Air India’s expanding codeshare partnership with ANA, making it easier for travelers to connect to these destinations. Additionally, many global airlines have shifted their operations to Haneda due to its convenience, making it a preferred choice for business travelers.
New Flight Schedule
The Delhi-Tokyo Haneda service will continue operating four times a week using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The revised flight timings will allow for smoother onward connections:
- Flight AI358: Departs Delhi at 8:20 PM (IST) and arrives in Tokyo Haneda at 7:55 AM (local time) the next day.
- Flight AI357: Departs Tokyo Haneda at 11:50 AM (local time) and arrives in Delhi at 5:25 PM (IST).
These adjustments are designed to offer better connections for passengers traveling onward to other destinations in India and Japan via ANA’s domestic network.
India-Japan Market Overview
The India-Japan aviation sector is witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing business, tourism, and educational exchanges. Strong diplomatic ties between the two nations have fostered a surge in travel demand. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan welcomed 233,000 Indian travelers in 2024, marking a 40% increase from 2023. With India emerging as one of Japan’s fastest-growing tourist markets, the shift to Haneda is expected to further boost travel demand.
Visa relaxations and targeted tourism promotions have played a crucial role in attracting more Indian travelers. Additionally, trade and investment between India and Japan are expanding rapidly. Major Japanese corporations are strengthening their presence in India, while Indian businesses are increasingly establishing operations in Japan. The relocation of Air India’s Delhi-Tokyo service will facilitate faster movement of professionals, investors, and business delegations between the two countries.
Expanded Codeshare Agreement with ANA
To complement the shift to Haneda, Air India has deepened its codeshare partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA), a Star Alliance member and Japan’s flagship carrier. Effective April 1, 2025, this expanded agreement will enable seamless travel between India and multiple Japanese cities. Under the new arrangement:
- Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on ANA’s flights from Tokyo Haneda to Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo.
- ANA will reciprocate by placing its NH code on Air India’s Delhi–Tokyo Haneda flights and select domestic Indian routes covering Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
- Frequent flyer benefits under Star Alliance, including priority boarding, lounge access, and seamless baggage transfers, will be extended to elite passengers of both airlines.
This collaboration simplifies travel by allowing passengers to book a single ticket for their entire journey, reducing transit hassles and wait times at connecting airports.
Strategic Expansion Under Tata Group
Since its acquisition by the Tata Group, Air India has been undergoing a transformation aimed at becoming a world-class global carrier. The airline has been aggressively expanding its international network, upgrading its fleet, and modernizing passenger services. The shift to Haneda Airport aligns with this broader strategy, offering Indian travelers more efficient travel options while reinforcing Air India’s position in the competitive Asia-Pacific aviation market.
All platforms, including Air India’s website, mobile app, and other booking portals, offer bookings for the new Haneda service. Passengers can look forward to a smoother, faster, and more efficient journey between India and Japan.
