DELHI- Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines (DL) has confirmed plans to resume flights to India, launching nonstop service between Atlanta (ATL) and Delhi (DEL), pending government approval.
The move comes as part of a broader strategic alliance with IndiGo (6E), Air France-KLM (AF/KL), and Virgin Atlantic (VS), aimed at enhancing connectivity between India, Europe, and North America.
Photo: Clément AlloingDelta Atlanta to Delhi Flight
Delta Air Lines (DL) plans to return to India for the first time since 2019, with a proposed nonstop service between its Atlanta (ATL) hub and Delhi (DEL).
At approximately 7,945 miles (12,785 kilometers), this would be among the airline’s longest nonstop routes.
The announcement aligns with Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian’s 2024 statement that the airline would resume India operations in 2026.
This strategic decision follows the airline’s previous short-lived India route from New York (JFK) to Mumbai (BOM) in late 2019, which ended quickly due to the pandemic and Delta’s retirement of its Boeing 777 fleet.
With the upcoming delivery of Airbus A350-1000 aircraft—known for their fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities—Delta aims to overcome past challenges and re-establish direct service to the Indian subcontinent.
Photo: Clément AlloingA350-1000 Delivery Delay
Delta’s launch date remains unconfirmed, but the airline is most probably targeting 2026 to align with the arrival of the Airbus A350-1000s.
Originally expected in 2025, delivery delays have pushed the timeline back a year. The A350-1000 offers the range and performance required for ultra-long-haul flights like ATL–DEL without payload restrictions.
While Delta already operates A350-900s, the airline appears to be reserving its newest, higher-capacity models for this complex and competitive route.
Photo: Clément AlloingPartnership with IndiGo
This route revival is part of a larger multilateral partnership involving Delta, IndiGo (6E), Air France-KLM (AF/KL), and Virgin Atlantic (VS). The alliance aims to offer seamless global connectivity by combining network strengths across North America, Europe, and India.
Through this partnership:
- IndiGo customers gain access to transatlantic destinations via Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), London (LHR), and Manchester (MAN).
- Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic customers can connect to 30+ destinations in India via IndiGo’s domestic network.
- Cooperation will span commercial operations, loyalty programs, cargo, aircraft maintenance, sustainability, and digital innovation.
This integrated network supports IndiGo’s ambitions to become a global airline by 2030 and marks Delta’s renewed commitment to the high-growth India market.
Photo: AeroConceptsExpanding Global Reach
IndiGo has been building its long-haul capacity through damp-leased Boeing 787s and a firm order of 30 Airbus A350-900s, with options for 70 more. These aircraft will support deeper cooperation with international partners and strengthen IndiGo’s ability to serve Europe and North America.
Air France-KLM already codeshares with IndiGo and will expand its reach further with a new KLM route from Amsterdam (AMS) to Hyderabad (HYD), launching in September 2025. This will allow passengers to connect from Europe to 24 additional destinations within India using IndiGo’s network.
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