You’ve seen the headlines. Maybe you’ve even lived the nightmare of a broken seat or a flickering screen on an 8-hour haul. But honestly, if you're looking at an Air India flight to Delhi in 2026, the reality on the ground—and in the air—is changing faster than the news cycle can keep up with. It's not just about the Maharaja logo anymore.
Delhi is the beating heart of Air India’s network. Most roads (and flight paths) lead here. Whether you’re coming in from London, San Francisco, or just a quick hop from Mumbai, your experience at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) depends entirely on a few "hidden" flight numbers and some very recent terminal shifts.
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The Secret of the AI2xxx Flight Numbers
If you want a guaranteed modern cabin, look at the digits.
Air India is currently split between "Old World" and "New World" hardware. Many long-haul routes into Delhi, like the Frankfurt (FRA) to Delhi (DEL) service, now use specific flight numbers like AI2026 or AI2030. These are almost always operated by the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
These planes are a different beast.
They feature the "line-fit" cabins—think fresh upholstery, working Wi-Fi, and inflight entertainment systems that don't crash when you try to watch a movie. On the flip side, some older 787-8s are still being retrofitted. If you end up on one of the legacy jets that hasn't hit the shop in Victorville yet, you might still find some wear and tear.
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But as of early 2026, over 60% of the wide-body fleet has been modernized. By the end of this year, that number is expected to hit 80%. It's a massive gamble that's finally starting to pay off for regular flyers.
Terminal 2 vs. Terminal 3: Don't Get Stranded
This is the big one that trips people up.
Since late 2025, Air India has moved about 60 of its daily domestic flights at Delhi from the iconic Terminal 3 (T3) over to Terminal 2 (T2). This was done to ease the absolute chaos of T3’s international expansion.
- International Flights: These always arrive and depart from Terminal 3.
- Domestic Flights: Check your flight number. If it’s four digits and starts with a '1' (like AI1737), you’re heading to Terminal 2.
- The Rest: Most other domestic flights stay at T3.
If you have a connection, pay attention. If you’re coming from London (T3) and your flight to Amritsar is an AI1xxx number, you have to move terminals. There’s a covered walkway between T2 and T3, which takes about 10–15 minutes to walk. Or you can grab the shuttle. Just don't wait until the last minute.
Also, a quick tip for the "Self-Baggage Drop" at T3. It's located at Row N, near gates 7 and 8. It’s a lifesaver if the main counters have a line out the door.
The New Food and the "Maharaja Lounge"
Catering used to be the one thing Air India did well, even when the seats were falling apart.
Now, they've doubled down. In January 2026, a brand-new menu rolled out across all domestic routes to match the international standards. We’re talking gourmet Indian regional cuisine—actual flavor, not just "airline yellow curry."
If you’re flying Business or First, the new Maharaja Lounge in T3 (opened in December 2025) is a massive upgrade over the old, tired spaces. It finally feels like a premium hub for a global airline. There’s better seating, faster Wi-Fi, and actual quiet zones.
For the rest of us in Economy or the new Premium Economy, the focus is on "Vista Stream." Since many older planes are still getting their seatback screens fixed, you can stream about 1,200 hours of content directly to your phone or tablet. Make sure your devices are charged before you board.
Luggage: The 2026 Rules
Air India's baggage policy is still one of the most generous, but it's gotten stricter on pieces.
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For domestic flights within India, the "Classic" fare usually gives you 20 kg, while "Flex" gives you 25 kg. But if you’re on an international ticket connecting to a domestic Air India flight to Delhi, your international allowance (often 2 pieces of 23 kg each) usually carries through.
Pro Tip: If your baggage is through-checked from an international destination, you still have to collect it at T3 arrivals in Delhi, clear customs, and then drop it at the transfer desk. You can't just walk to your next gate and expect your bags to magically follow you through Indian Customs.
Why 2026 is the "Hinge" Year
We are currently in a transition phase. CEO Campbell Wilson has been vocal about the "transformative changes" finishing by mid-2027, but 2026 is where the bulk of the work happens.
Every month, two to three more wide-body planes are coming out of refurbishment. This means the "lottery" of getting a bad seat is slowly ending. It’s not perfect—supply chain issues still delay some parts—but the consistency is night and day compared to three years ago.
Steps to Ensure a Smooth Journey
- Verify the Aircraft: Use a tracking site to see if your flight number (like AI2026) is consistently using the new 787-9 or A350 aircraft.
- Double-Check the Terminal: Look for that "1" at the start of your flight number to see if you're at T2 or T3.
- Use City Check-in: If you're staying in Delhi and heading back out, use the Metro station check-in facilities to drop your bags early.
- Download the App: Notifications for terminal changes or gate shifts are actually reliable now.
- Pack for "Vista Stream": Bring a tablet or a large phone just in case your specific tail number hasn't had the seatback screen upgrade yet.
The days of avoiding Air India at all costs are largely over, especially on the Delhi routes. It's now a matter of knowing which flight to pick and which terminal to head toward. If you book the right flight number, you're looking at a world-class experience that finally rivals the Gulf carriers.
To get the best out of your trip, check your ticket for the specific terminal assignment 24 hours before departure, as Delhi airport's ongoing construction can cause last-minute gate shifts between T2 and T3.