Air India optimises key domestic metro routes post Vistara merger

After the integration of Vistara, Air India has announced optimisation of its domestic network, prioritising premium narrowbody cabins on five key metro-to-metro routes starting December 1, for enhanced passenger experience.

Tata Group carrier Air India has announced that it will deploy the narrowbody aircraft of erstwhile Vistara on its metro-to-metro routes in order to enhance passenger comfort on these trunk routes.

In a press statement, Air India says that all flights on key metro routes Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, will be operated using erstwhile Vistara A320 series aircraft beginning from December 1.

It adds that these flights will operate with AI-prefixed four-digit flight numbers starting with two for example, AI2999 on the Delhi-Mumbai route.

It further adds that Air India’s aircraft on these metro routes feature eight Business Class seats with enhanced recline and legroom, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 132 Economy seats designed for comfort with standard recline.

Air India says that it will optimise flight schedules by spreading departures throughout the day without reducing frequency. The airline now operates over 1,000 weekly round trips on these key metro routes.

It adds that travellers can expect a full-service experience on Air India’s metro routes, with good interiors, complimentary meals, lounge access for premium guests and global flight connections.

The statement adds that Air India’s optimised domestic route network will be gradually available across booking channels, including the official website, mobile app, and authorised travel agents.

“The merger of Vistara into Air India has unlocked many new opportunities to improve our customer offering. By combining the strengths of both full-service carriers, we are able to consolidate our best narrowbody offering on routes where there is desire for a high frequency, full-service product. We will progressively expand the coverage to more routes as Air India inducts new aircraft and completes the retrofit of our legacy narrowbody fleet during 2025,” says Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India.