Picture : @airindia/X
Air India re-started direct flights to New York [JFK] and Newark from Mumbai/Delhi, via the Iraqi airspace, reducing flying time from 21 to 18 hours, reports the New Indian Express.
The change eliminates the previous mandatory refuelling stop in Rome (Fiumicino), where passengers previously had to remain onboard.
The revised path is projected to yield roughly 10% in fuel savings and ease crew duty-time limitations (FDTL)
Air India has four direct flights to the US, two to JFK airport and two to Newark International Airport.
Earlier, the AI long haul flight had to stop for a technical halt at Rome airport to refuel before the onward journey into the United States. The move was facilitated after Iraq opened its airspace which previously was only used for military operations.
The Iran and Pakistan air space continue to remain closed.
