In a landmark development for Indian aviation, Air India has become the first airline in the country to offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi on select domestic routes. Beginning January 1, 2025, passengers flying on specific Air India aircraft, including the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and certain Airbus A321neo models, can now enjoy free internet access during their flight, enhancing the overall travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.
This breakthrough initiative follows a successful pilot program on Air India’s international routes, including popular destinations such as New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. The airline’s decision to extend this service to domestic flights is part of its broader strategy to improve passenger convenience and satisfaction. With Wi-Fi available in-flight, passengers can browse the internet, check emails, post on social media, or stay connected with loved ones without interruption.
Rajesh Dogra, Air India’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, highlighted the growing importance of connectivity in today’s travel landscape. He explained, “Connectivity has become an integral part of modern travel. For some, it’s about the comfort of sharing real-time moments, while for others, it’s about enhancing productivity and efficiency.” Dogra expressed confidence that passengers would appreciate the added benefit of staying connected while flying, further elevating the Air India experience.
The Wi-Fi service is compatible with a range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, running on iOS and Android platforms. One of the notable features of the service is that passengers can connect multiple devices at once, ensuring that everyone onboard has uninterrupted access. This ensures that passengers can remain productive or entertained throughout the journey.
Connecting to Wi-Fi on Air India flights is straightforward. Passengers need to enable Wi-Fi on their device, select the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network, and enter their PNR and last name on the Air India portal. Once logged in, they can enjoy the free internet service for the duration of the flight.
The Wi-Fi service operates using two different technologies. The first is the air-to-ground system, where the aircraft communicates with the nearest ground tower. This system works well up to a certain altitude, after which the satellite-based Wi-Fi system takes over, offering broader coverage and ensuring continuous connectivity, even in regions without ground towers.
This service is currently available free of charge as part of an introductory period, with plans to expand the Wi-Fi offering across more aircraft in Air India’s fleet over time. This development sets a new standard in Indian air travel, establishing Air India as a pioneer in providing seamless connectivity for passengers. As more airlines begin to follow suit, the introduction of Wi-Fi on domestic flights marks a significant leap forward for the aviation sector in India, transforming the way people experience air travel.
