1. Founded in 1932 : Air India was founded as Tata Air Services by billionaire J.R.D. Tata.
2. Renamed Air India in 1946 : Air India was formed after the airline expanded operations and shifted its focus to commercial passenger services.
3. Nationalised in 1953 : The Indian government took over the airline and declared it the national flag carrier.
4. First Asian Airline to Enter the Jet Age (1960) : The introduction of the Boeing 707 made Air India the first Asian airline to operate jet aircraft.
5. Expanded International Network : By the 1970s and 1980s, Air India had acquired a significant global presence, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, & North America.
6. Merger with Indian Airlines, 2007 : Air India amalgamated with Indian Airlines to combine local and international operations under a single brand.
7. Experienced financial difficulties : The airline suffered significant financial losses during the 2000s and 2010s as a result of poor management and competition.
8. Privatisation and the Tata Takeover (2022) : After years of losses, Air India was privatised and sold to the Tata Group in January 2022.
Air India, India's national carrier, serves as the country's ambassador in the global aviation sector, with a large fleet that connects important domestic hubs and foreign destinations. Known for its premium offerings, the airline offers enhanced comfort to Business and First Class passengers, including lie-flat seats and personalised service, while all passengers enjoy complimentary meals reflecting both Indian and global flavours, as well as in-flight entertainment on long-haul flights.
The "Flying Returns" loyalty program rewards frequent flyers by allowing them to earn and redeem miles on a variety of routes. As a proud member of the Star Alliance, Air India offers passengers seamless travel and advantages with partner airlines throughout the world. The airline also provides extensive baggage allowances, particularly on foreign flights, which enhances passenger comfort.
Air India has undergone major modernisation since its takeover by the Tata Group in 2022, with the introduction of new aircraft, better services, and digital advancements. Premium lounge access at select airports enhances the comfort of high-end travellers, while the airline maintains a strong cultural identity by highlighting Indian hospitality, customs, and its distinctive Maharaja logo throughout the customer journey.
Air India is committed to offering excellent customer service through a variety of channels. Passengers can contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week via phone, WhatsApp, or our online Customer Support Portal. AI.g, the airline's AI-powered chatbot, is available on WhatsApp and can answer over 1,300 questions about flights, baggage, and other topics. Customers can also send questions or feedback through the Customer Support Portal, which ensures a response within 24 hours.
Air India's customer service can be contacted at the following numbers:
India (24/7 Support):
+91 116 932 9333
+91 116 932 9999
Toll-Free Number (India):
1860 233 1407
WhatsApp Support:
+91 96670 34444
USA (Toll-Free):
+1 888 634 1407
These contact options ensure that passengers receive quick assistance with their travel requirements.