TL;DR
- Previously, Vistara provided in-flight Wi-Fi on international routes. However, Air India will do so within India, “enabling travelers – flying for leisure or business.”
- While the airline hasn’t announced any upfront fee or additional charges for the service (yet), it mentions that the in-flight Wi-Fi will only be available above 10,000 feet of elevation.
For years, Indian domestic flights haven’t had access to the internet. However, that is going to change in 2025. Air India (recently acquired by Tata Group) has become the first Indian airline to offer Wi-Fi on domestic flights. The service will be available on aircraft including the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo planes.
In-Flight Wi-Fi Will Increase Passenger’s Convenience
Previously, Vistara provided in-flight Wi-Fi on international routes. However, Air India will do so within India, “enabling travelers – flying for leisure or business – to stay connected to the internet during their flights,” reads the official press release. The Wi-Fi service will allow passengers to browse the internet, access social media platforms, catch up on work, or text friends and family members about their whereabouts.
To provide in-flight internet services, aircrafts need special equipment, including air-to-ground systems, which help connect with the cell towers on the ground, or satellite-based systems, which unlock broader coverage, especially over oceans. Moreover, the service requires airlines to spend on the infrastructure, which could be expensive.
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Air India Passengers Can Access In-Flight Wi-Fi When Flying Over 10,000 Feet
This is one of the reasons why the service wasn’t available in India, a market where airlines are operating on thin margins. However, Air India flights will let devices like laptops, tablets, and iOS or Android smartphones connect with the in-flight Wi-Fi system. In fact, one flyer should be able to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
While the airline hasn’t announced any upfront fee or additional charges for the service (yet), it mentions that the in-flight Wi-Fi will only be available above 10,000 feet of elevation. There’s a chance, though, that the company will make the Wi-Fi services paid in the future.
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How To Access Wi-Fi On Air India Flights?
- Enable Wi-Fi on your device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop).
- Head to Wi-Fi settings and select “Air India Wi-Fi” from the available options.
- You’ll be redirected to Air India’s portal on the device’s default browser. Enter the required details, such as the PNR number and last name, and press enter.
- Following this, you should be able to access the complimentary Wi-Fi service.
While Air India has announced Wi-Fi service on domestic flights, it could be a while before the service is available to all the aircraft in the fleet. We’re excited to see the development, as Wi-Fi in flight could really help us get some work done. Further, we’re even more curious to know about the internet speed on the flight, something that one of the staff members might check out soon (if available).
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