Soaring High, Sailing Far-The top 10 longest routes out of India (By Distance)

India, in recent years, has been experiencing a massive economic growth and a strong presence on the world stage. Not only this but it's also experiencing a massive immigration out of the country towards western countries seeking for better job and educational opportunities. Considering all the factors above, there has been a boom in demand for a number of routes to connect cities far away. This has led to the creation of a number of airline routes that are not only the longest in India, but some also rank as the longest in the world. Let's explore the top 10 of these city pairs.

1. Bengaluru to San Fransisco

A route that has been a talking point for several years finally was started by India's national Carrier Air India on 2nd December 2022, operating thrice a week. The route was a resumption as BLR-SFO was also operated during the COVID pandemic under the air-bubble agreement with the route officially starting in 2022. AI175 covers 14,002km or 8,701mi taking almost 16 hours and 35 minutes using the 777-200LR making it the longest out of India and 9th longest in the world. The 777-200LR they use for this route is actually the ex-Delta 777 with the delta one cabins they have leased seeing the abysmal state of their legacy cabins. The Aircraft is configured in C28W48Y220 making it one of the few routes to feature premium economy in Air India's network. The flight departs Bengaluru around 2pm and arrives in SFO around 6pm. Fun fact- The route was rumored to be started at one point by Kingfisher Airlines Using the A340-500 before they went bust.

2. Mumbai to San Fransisco

Coming up at number 2 is yet another Air India route to San Fransisco, this time from Mumbai operating 4 times a week. Covering almost 13,528km or 8,406mi taking 16 hours to complete this route, AI179 is the second longest route out of India and 15th longest route in the world. This route was announced along with the BLR-SFO route and is also flown with the Ex Delta 777-200LR featuring premium economy and delta one suites. The flight departs Mumbai around 2:30pm and arrives at SFO around 6pm. Jet airways used to operate this route back in 2008 however it used to operate via Shanghai using the 777-300ER.

3. Mumbai to Newark

At number 3 is a fairly old route that has been operational for quite some time, the Flight between Mumbai to Newark. AI191 Covers a distance of 12,564km or 7,807mi, the route is operated by you guessed it, Air India 3 times a week taking 15 hours and 20 minutes to complete the distance using 777-300ER. The flight departs BOM around 1:45am and lands in Newark around 8am. United airlines also operated this route before the 2022 war using the 787-9. The route was also operated by Jet Airways via Brussels and Continental Airlines before its merger. II also happen to take this flight all the way back in 2013.

4. Mumbai to New York JFK

Another pretty old route on this list, BOM-JFK is another Air India route that features on this list. Covering a distance of 12,551KM or 7,799mi, AI119 takes 15 hours to complete using the ex-Delta 777-200LR. The flight is operated Daily departing Mumbai around 1:40am and arriving in JFK around 7:25am. This also happens to be Air India's 3rd attempt on this route. Delta airlines used to operate this route before the COVID19 pandemic using the very same 777-200LR's that Air India uses today, Take that for Irony! Jet Airways also operated this route via Brussels.

5. Delhi to San Fransisco

This route has been a popular route for Air India and also is first addition from Delhi in this list. The route covers 12,401km or 7,706mi completing this distance in 14 hours and 30 minutes. The route is operated 10 times a week by Air India using its Legacy 777-200LR. The route was also operated by United Airlines before the War using the 787-9.

6. Delhi to Washington Dulles

Another Delhi based route for Air India, AI103 covers a distance of 12,079km or 7,506mi with a flight time of 14 hours and 20 minutes. This route is worth noting as this route is operated by the Boeing 787-8 three times a week instead of the 777 making it the only US route to have the 787.

7. Delhi to Chicago

Delhi to Chicago is another old route that has been operated by Air India. AI127 covers a distance of 12,044km or 7,484mi taking about 14 hours. United also operated this route as well with the 787-9 before the war.

8. Delhi to Newark

Delhi to Newark is our first route on our list which has competition. Air India and United both operate this 11,787km or 7,324mi route with a flying time of 14 hours. Air India operates the 777-300ER and United operates the 787-9 on this route. United plans to make this route double daily in winter 2023.

9. Delhi to New York JFK

Another Delhi to US east coast route, Delhi to New York JFK may be considered one of the flagship routes in Air India's network. Covering a distance of 11777km or 7,318mi, this route is operated by both, Air India and American airlines using the 777-300ER.

10. Delhi to Toronto

Our first entry outside the United States, Delhi to Toronto is another high demand route. Covering a distance of 7,246mi or 11,661km, the route takes 13 hours and 50 minutes. Air India operates this route with the 777-300ER and Air Canada with the 777-200LR. Both of these airline's plan to add frequencies on these routes.

Discontinued Routes

1. Mumbai to Atlanta- Covering a distance of 8,510mi or 13,695km in about 18 hours, Mumbai to Atlanta was once the longest flight in the world operated by Delta airlines. However, due to operational difficulties, the route was discontinued in 2009.

2. Hyderabad to Chicago- Covering a distance of 8,263mi or 13,298km, Air India started service between Hyderabad and Chicago, a route with really high demand due to VFR and NRI traffic. Air India started service during the air bubble agreement and later discontinued the service due to lack of aircraft. However, it is quite possible the route may resume once spare aircrafts are available.

3. Mumbai to Toronto- Covering a distance of 7,775mi or 12,513km, Air Canada used to operate this route nonstop using the 787-9 and 777-200LR before discontinuing it in 2020. The service later resumed as a one-stop service via London seasonally in 2022.