DALLAS – Air India (AI) inaugurated regular flights to Zurich (ZRH) on June 16, 2024, after a long gap of 27 years. ZRH is now the tenth European destination on AI’s network after Amsterdam (AMS), Birmingham (BHX), Copenhagen (CPH), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR, LGW), Milan (MXP), Paris (CDG), and Vienna (VIE).

The four-weekly flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, configured with 256 seats, consisting of 18 Business Class and 236 Economy Class seats. AI151 departs from Delhi (DEL) at 14:05, reaching ZRH at 19:15, whereas the return flight AI152 departs from ZRH at 20:50, arriving at 08:05 the next day in DEL.

The first flight to Zurich was jointly welcomed by the airport officials, AI representatives, and the Indian Embassy. 

Boosting Trade, Tourism

India is already connected to Switzerland, with trade and tourism in focus, where Zurich Airport has made one of the big investments in Noida International Airport (NIA). 

Ambassador of India to Switzerland, Mridul Kumar strongly believes that the current vacuum from Indian air carriers could be filled by having a new share in the bilateral agreement, as AI already has one of the biggest aircraft orders. 

Recently, Switzerland, as part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), signed a historic deal with India, and ZRH’s Chief Operating Officer, Stefan Tschudin added that the flights connecting ZRH and DEL boost business travel, along with trade and tourism.

Air India is confident in moving forward with the expansion and plans to eventually make this a daily flight, if not double daily. Furthermore, the new routes are meant to serve not just India but also Australia, as well as Asian and East Asian destinations like Japan.

Passengers enjoyed a great welcome at ZRH, while the departing passengers were served a buffet and a souvenir of AI Airbus A350.