Air India becomes first Indian airline to introduce in-flight Wi-Fi service on domestic routes

In a significant milestone for the aviation industry in the country, Air India announced on January 1 that it is offering in-flight Wi-Fi services on domestic routes, making it the first Indian carrier to provide internet connectivity on flights within the country. Beginning January 1, 2025, all Air India flights operated by its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft will feature in-flight Wi-Fi, available to passengers at no additional cost during the introductory period.

The new service aims to enhance travel experience by allowing passengers to stay connected during their flights, whether for leisure or business. Passengers can now browse the internet, access social media, stay updated on work, or send messages to friends and family from flights.

The move is in line with the growing demand from passengers for seamless connectivity as part of improved travel experience.

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“Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency. Whatever be one’s purpose, we are confident that our guests will appreciate having the option of connecting to the web and enjoy the new Air India experience on board these aircraft,” said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India.

The Wi-Fi service will be accessible on Wi-Fi-enabled devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones with iOS or Android operating systems. Passengers will have the convenience of connecting multiple devices simultaneously once the aircraft reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet. The functionality ensures that travellers can remain productive and entertained throughout their journey.

The rollout of in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic routes follows a successful pilot programme for international services. Air India has already been offering Wi-Fi connectivity on its Airbus A350, select Airbus A321neo, and Boeing B787-9 aircraft on long-haul flights to destinations like New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. As for domestic flights, Wi-Fi will be offered for free during the introductory period, the carrier said in a press note. Air India plans to extend the service to more aircraft in its fleet in future, enhancing connectivity for passengers across its entire network.

Passengers who wish to use Wi-Fi on Air India flights need to follow simple instructions. After enabling Wi-Fi on their device and selecting the ‘Air India Wi-Fi’ network, they will be redirected to the airline’s portal, where will need to enter their PNR number and last name to access complimentary internet service.

This new offering by Air India reflects the airline’s commitment to improving customer experience and aligning with the digital transformation of the aviation industry. As the first airline in India to provide in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic routes, Air India continues to set benchmarks in passenger comfort and convenience, paving the way for other carriers to follow suit in the near future.