Air India has been recognised as the ‘Best Domestic Airline’ at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025, for the second consecutive year. A testament to Air India’s commitment to elevating the flying experience, the recognition is special as it comes directly from our customers.
This recognition decided through a vote, reflects the trust placed in Air India by our patrons and the growing aspirations of Indian travellers. The accolade underscores the strides made by Air India in delivering an elevated product and service experience across touchpoints for millions of passengers.
The award stands as a heartfelt tribute to the exceptional efforts of our frontline staff who work relentlessly to bring the new Air India experience to life every day.
“Earning this recognition for the second consecutive year reflects Air India’s commitment to delivering truly world-class travel experiences for its guests,” said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India. “Every initiative in our transformation journey is tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers, from upgraded aircraft as part of the fleet retrofit to the enhanced food and beverage offerings. This affirmation from Travel + Leisure India motivates all of us at Air India to continue setting new benchmarks in Indian aviation,” he added.
This award comes at a crucial juncture in Air India’s transformation journey. As a part of its transformation journey, Air India is investing significantly in modernising its fleet and enhancing customer experience. From placing an order of 570 new aircraft to upgrading its onboard offerings, Air India is steadfast on its commitment to becoming a world-class airline with Indian warmth.
A cornerstone of the airline’s transformation is the ongoing USD 400 million retrofit programme, to refurbish the existing aircraft cabins with modern interiors, upgraded seats and inflight entertainment systems. This year, Air India has completed the retrofit of its legacy A320 aircraft to enhance the comfort and convenience of our customers. Today, 104 aircraft or 83% of the fleet is new or upgraded for domestic and short-haul international routes.
Air India has also begun the retrofit of its widebody aircraft. The first two Boeing 787-8 aircraft are in the US undergoing retrofit and will be back in service in February 2026. Thereafter, two to three aircraft will be retrofitted every month.
In addition to this, 2026 will also see Air India receive 6 new widebody aircraft, including B787-9 and A350-1000. By the end of 2026, 96% of Air India’s narrowbody fleet and close to 60% of its widebody fleet will be new or upgraded.
As Air India moves forward in its transformation journey, this recognition serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams, inspiring all of us to continue raising the bar and make every journey with Air India a memorable one.
