According to industry sources, flights to Osaka may be reinstated by the end of the upcoming summer season.
The airline had earlier operated services to the Japanese city prior to its privatisation.
As per sources, Japan’s popularity with tourists is among the factors being considered for the move.
They added that the country is expected to see a further rise in tourist inflows during the upcoming summer season.
As such, Air India is evaluating deployment of a Boeing 787 on the Osaka route.
Besides, Indonesia and Cambodia are countries of active expansion interest for Air India, sources added.
When contacted, Air India did not elicit a response.
Notably, the evaluation of East Asia routes comes amid disruptions in West Asian airspace.
The escalation of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has resulted in the closure of select Gulf airspace, leading to widespread cancellations by India-based carriers to West Asia and Europe.
Industry data indicated a significant number of flight cancellations operated by Indian carriers following the airspace closures.
However, industry insiders said the airline has activated contingency routing plans that were developed during last year’s regional airspace disruptions in West Asia to sustain connectivity to key markets including the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and the United States.
Speaking to businessline, a senior airline official had earlier said the network planning team had “war-gamed multiple conflict scenarios” and identified viable alternatives in the event of restricted Gulf airspace.
Accordingly, services bound for Europe, the United States and Canada are being routed through airspace over the Red Sea, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea to bypass constrained zones. These adjustments add approximately 30–45 minutes to average European flight durations.
In addition, for services to the United States and Canada, Air India has incorporated technical halts at Rome and Vienna for refuelling before continuing transatlantic operations.
Published on March 13, 2026