Air India Crowned as Best Domestic Airline of 2025

Air India, one of India’s most iconic and rapidly transforming airlines, has once again soared to new heights.

Reinforcing its renewed promise of excellence, the Tata Group–owned carrier has been recognised as the ‘Best Domestic Airline’ at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025, marking its second consecutive win.

A Recognition Powered by Passenger Trust

The award, decided through a reader-driven voting process, reflects the confidence placed in Air India by millions of passengers.

It underscores the airline’s steady progress in delivering an improved product and service experience across every touchpoint—from booking to boarding and beyond. This recognition stands as a clear signal that Air India’s transformation is resonating strongly with its customers.

Transformation at a Defining Moment

This achievement comes at a crucial phase in air india airplane multi-year transformation journey. The airline is making substantial investments to modernise its fleet and elevate customer experience. From placing a historic order for 570 new aircraft to enhancing onboard services, air india fleet expansion plans remains committed to becoming a truly world-class airline with Indian warmth at its core.

Fleet Modernisation and Cabin Upgrades

A key pillar of this transformation is the USD 400 million retrofit programme, aimed at refurbishing existing air india new aircraft with modern cabins, upgraded seating, and advanced inflight entertainment systems.

• Air India has successfully completed the retrofit of its legacy A320 aircraft, significantly improving comfort and convenience.
• Currently, 104 aircraft—around 83% of the fleet—are new or upgraded, serving domestic and short-haul international routes.
• The airline is also pressing ahead with plans to induct 26 additional wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, while further enhancing the onboard experience across its network.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Air India’s transformation momentum is set to continue through 2026:

• By the end of 2026, the airline expects 81% of its international flights to be operated using upgraded aircraft.
• The retrofit of wide-body aircraft has already begun, with the first two Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners currently undergoing refurbishment in the US and scheduled to return to service in February 2026.
• Thereafter, two to three wide-body aircraft will be retrofitted every month.
• In 2026, air india plane will also receive six new wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-1000.

By the end of the year, 96% of the narrow-body fleet and nearly 60% of the wide-body fleet will be new or upgraded.

A Renewed National Carrier

Winning the Best Domestic Airline award for the second year in a row is more than a trophy—it is a milestone in Air India’s journey of reinvention.

As the airline continues to modernise its fleet, refine service standards, and invest in passenger comfort, this recognition reaffirms that air india aircraft is steadily reclaiming its place as a preferred airline for Indian travellers, at home and beyond.

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