India’s Union Budget 2026 revised the baggage rules for international arrivals, both Indian-origin and foreign-origin. It replaced the decade-old baggage regulations of 2016 by increasing the duty-free limit for imported goods to India from the US and other countries. Also, the customs duty relief on personal jewelry has got a little better for NRIs and OCI cardholders traveling to India in 2026. India’s new duty-free baggage allowance is effective starting 2 February, as per the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Whom does India’s new baggage rules 2026 apply to?

The new baggage rules, 2026, including new duty-free limit, and strict customs guidelines, apply to all passengers of international flights to India from USA and other countries. It equally applies to those arriving in India by sea routes.

• Indian residents
• Tourists of Indian origin; NRIs and OCI cardholders
• Foreigners with a valid visa, other than tourist visa
• Tourists of foreign origin
• Crew members

What is the new duty-free limit for passengers to India?  

In the Union Budget 2026, the government of India raised the duty-free limit to Rs 75,000 for the arriving Indian residents, NRIs, OCI Cardholders, and foreigners holding valid non-tourist visas. Earlier, Indian Customs’ duty-free allowance was limited to Rs 50,000 on the total valuation of foreign goods imported to India for personal use. Under the bonafide baggage rules, 2026, the new duty-free limit is Rs 25,000 for foreigners (non-Indian origin) arriving in India by air or sea. Earlier, it was only Rs. 15,000.

New customs rules for bringing laptops to India

India’s new baggage rules, 2026, allow you to bring a new laptop or notebook free of customs duty in your bona fine baggage. You must be 18 years or above, and the new laptop or notebook purchased abroad must be for your personal or family use, or gifting, under Section 79 of the Customs Act, 1962. You have to pay the applicable customs duty on a second new laptop if the value exceeds the enhanced duty-free limit.

What if you carry dutiable goods to India beyond the duty-free limit?

On arrival in India, you need to pay customs duty on the amount minus the new duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, if the value of dutiable goods in your bonafide baggage exceeds the duty-free allowance.

Well, there is some good news for overseas Indians visiting the home country and resident Indians returning from an international trip. The new finance bill, under the Union Budget 2026-27, has reduced the customs duty to a flat 10% for all dutiable goods, from electronics to fashion accessories to high-end luxury items to gourmet food, that they carry for personal use or a non-commercial purpose like gifting (to a certain extent).

Effective from 1 April 2026, you will be paying only 10% as customs duty on the taxable value of imported goods, minus the duty-free limit of Rs 75,000, provided the dutiable goods are honestly declared through the Red Channel at Indian airports. Previously, taxable imports from abroad, though for personal use, attracted a basic customs duty of 20% or higher on the extra value.

“It means, starting in April 2026, the cost of bringing electronic items from USA to India for personal use or gifting will significantly drop. If you bring a new iPhone from USA to India, other than your personal one in use, you will have to pay a flat 10% customs duty on the iPhone price minus the duty-free allowance of Rs 75,000, and a social welfare surcharge at 10% of the applicable customs duty,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at IndianEagle.com, your trusted travel-booking partner.

What foreign items don’t qualify for the flat 10% customs duty in India?  

The reduced customs duty won’t apply to alcoholic beverages, printed reading materials, tobacco products, cars, and items that require an import license.

How much gold jewelry can you bring under India’s new baggage rules 2026?

Under the new baggage rules effective 2 February 2026, India redefined duty-free jewelry allowance for Indians, both resident and overseas. The redefined jewelry allowance is purely weight-based now, irrespective of the value. Whether you are a resident Indian, or an NRI living abroad, you are entitled to carrying gold jewelry duty free to India within the following limits:

• 40 grams for Indian women and 20 grams for Indian men returning from an international trip
• 40 grams for Indian-origin women and 20 grams for Indian-origin men residing abroad for more than 1 year

This guide explaining India’s Baggage Rules for NRIs and Indian-origin foreign tourists is brought to you Indian Eagle, a leading US-based travel tech company facilitating affordable flights to from USA to India and beyond with best deals from major airlines. Call toll-free +1-800-615-3969 for phone-only exclusive fares.

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Currently, the US visitor visa interview appointments are 2 to 8 months away from today, depending on the US Embassy and Consulates in India. The wait time was equally unprecedented in 2022 and 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic. In mid-2023, the longest wait time for B1/B2 visa interview appointments in India was 400 days. It stretched into the year 2024 for those who wanted to travel to the US in mid-2023. Precisely, the US tourist visa backlog was and is there.

The uncertainty, driven by the long visa delay, of reuniting with their parents and other family members continues to cause emotional distress to many Indian immigrants and non-immigrants in the US. Indian parents are missing out on important events in the US, such as childbirth, marriage anniversary celebration, housewarming, and graduation ceremony. However, Indian American Sunil Dhar, who lives in San Francisco,  found a way for his son’s would-be in-laws and other family members from New Delhi to bypass the US visitor visa in 2023.

His younger son was about to get married in June in the United States, but the bride’s parents and other family members were facing the long B2 visa interview wait time in New Delhi. Reportedly, Sunil Dhar tried hard to ensure that his would-be daughter-in-law’s parents could attend the wedding in the US as wedding is a significant event in Indian culture and a Hindu wedding is incomplete without certain rituals that a bride’s parents perform. In 2022, some of Sunil Dhar’s extended family members from India could not attend his elder son’s wedding in San Francisco due to various visa-related issues.

To avoid the visa-related issue this time, Sunil Dhar made certain arrangements so that his guests from India could enter the US without a visa and bless the couple. He shifted the wedding venue from the Bay Area further up the West Coast. The wedding took place in Blaine near Seattle, Washington State. The Peace Arch Park on the US-Canada border, the northern boundary of Blaine City, was selected as the wedding venue. Interestingly, the Peace Arch Park is a visa neutral zone without immigration checkpoints.

The bride’s family from India had the Canadian visa. They could enter the park via British Columbia without having a US visa and facing any immigration check. Hence, the bride’s parents and other guests traveled to Canada from Delhi, instead of booking Delhi to San Francisco flight tickets. The northern half of the park is in Canada and the southern half stretches into the US. They entered the park from the northern half and attended the wedding in the southern half.

“Other than the above, there was another way to bypass the US visa interview delays across India in those days. Indian nationals seeking B1/B2 visas could apply at the US Mission/consulates in international destinations, such as Kuwait City, Japan, and Seoul where the US tourist visa wait time was relatively very shorter (7 to 10 days). However, starting September 2025, non-immigrant visa applicants, including B1/B2, can schedule visa interview appointments only in their country of citizenship or legal residence,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

Travel Beats, a leading community and travel news portal for Indian Diaspora in the US, is a subsidiary of Indian Eagle LLC. IndianEagle.com, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians and Americans, is currently offering an additional $25 discount on flight tickets from USA to India and beyond. IEREPUBLICTB is the discount code valid through 31 January (CST hours).  

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India and her diaspora do still have a reason to rejoice, though Homebound, the official entry to the Oscars 2026, is out of the race in the Best International Feature Film category. Lagaan, a Bollywood blockbuster in 2002, was the last Indian film to make it to the Oscars nominations. However, amid the Hollywood titles – Sinners and One Battle After Another – running high with multiple nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, Indian American Geeta Gandbhir has grabbed some spotlight.  

Who is documentary filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir in USA?

Geeta Gandbhir is an Indian American filmmaker, director, producer, and editor known for her compelling work in documentary cinema. She has built a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades, focusing on socially important subjects such as racial justice, violence, systemic inequities, and civil rights. She has won multiple awards and recognitions, including Emmys and Peabody Awards.

She was born in 1970 in Boston to Indian immigrant parents who moved to the United States in the 1960s. Her father, Sharad Gandbhir, emigrated to study chemical engineering, and her mother, Lalita, joined him later. Geeta and her siblings grew up in the Boston area. Her sister Una S. Gandbhir is a superior court judge in Alaska, and her brother Ashwin Gandbhir is a filmmaker and editor too.

Why filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir is in the news

Geeta Gandbhir just created history by earning two Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards (2026) for her work in documentary cinema. “The Perfect Neighbor” and “The Devil is Busy” from her repertoire are riding the waves of Oscar nods for Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short Film respectively. This rare achievement has placed her among an elite group of filmmakers whose storytelling is sharper than two-edged swords and has a mass appeal.

Geeta Gandbhir’s The Perfect Neighbor is a full-length documentary feature that explores the June 2023 fatal shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens in Ocala, Florida. Directed and produced by Gandbhir, the documentary has earned critical acclaims for its ethical storytelling and careful examination of accountability. Close to her heart professionally and personally, The Perfect Neighbor won the US Documentary Directing Award after it was premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It streams on Netflix.

The other Oscar nomination that Geeta Gandbhir has earned is for The Devil Is Busy that she co-directed with Christalyn Hampton. It is a 31-minute short documentary on the safety of patients and healthcare staff amid continuous protests against abortion restrictions in America. It portrays Tracii, the head of security at a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, and shows how she sincerely protects patients and other staff over the course of a day.

Is Geeta Gandbhir the first Indian American to earn Oscar nominations?

No, Geeta Gandbhir is not the first Indian American to receive an Oscar nomination. That distinction goes to M. Night Shyamalan, a renowned Indian-origin American filmmaker with roots in South India. His directorial, The Sixth Sense, had earned two Oscar nominations in 2000, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Later, two Indian American engineers – Parag Havaldar and Kiran Bhat – emerged among the Oscar winners in 2017.

Geeta Gandbhir’s Education and Early Influences

Geeta’s academic journey began at Harvard University, where she studied visual art with a focus on animation. It was here that she encountered influential mentors who shaped her future career. During her time at Harvard, Spike Lee, the acclaimed filmmaker, taught at the university, and Geeta worked closely with his long-time editor Sam Pollard. These early mentorships exposed her to strong narrative filmmaking principles and encouraged her initial work in narrative projects before she transitioned fully into documentaries.

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Since December 2024, Japan Airlines has been offering seamless connectivity beyond its two primary gateways – New Delhi and Bengaluru – through IndiGo, a leading Indian airline with the largest domestic market share. Precisely, IndiGo has been connecting Japan Airlines’ passengers to a broad domestic network from Indira Gandhi DEL and Kempegowda BLR airports as one of JAL’s strategic codeshare partners.

New Delhi and Bengaluru were the only destinations for Japan Airlines flights to India before its codeshare alliance with IndiGo. JAL, one of the best airlines with premium economy seats, operates daily flights to Delhi IGI Airport from/via Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports. JAL flights to Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport from/via Narita International Airport have daily frequency. However, Japan Airlines’ connection between Narita and New Delhi is a temporary service, from 17 January to 1 March 2026.

Japan Airlines’ India network covers 18 cities through IndiGo

IndiGo facilitates domestic travel to and from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Pune, Goa, Varanasi, Lucknow, Amritsar, Surat, Chandigarh, Aurangabad, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thiruvananthapuram, and Leh (Ladakh) for Japan Airlines’ passengers via New Delhi and Bengaluru. The JAL-IndiGo codeshare partnership enables Indians from the US network of Japan Airlines to travel seamlessly to the above-mentioned 18 Indian cities on a single ticket.

“IndiGo is the wind beneath the wings of several international carriers, like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, American Airlines, and Air France-KLM for their market growth in India. Not just Japan Airlines, but all these carriers continue to find IndiGo as a reliable codeshare partner for its upgraded fleet, brand-new business class cabin (IndiGo Stretch), and largely, domestic network, and on-time performance. IndiGo is flexing its revenue muscle through codeshare alliances,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of Travel Beats.

Reportedly, IndiGo, which is primarily branded as an economy airline, is looking to reposition itself with billion-dollar plans to add premium economy and business class to its product portfolio. Thirty A350-900 planes with premium economy and business class seats, which IndiGo has recently placed an order for, will help the airline align with premium passengers of its foreign codeshare partners and their expectations.

IndiGo, which was primarily branded as an all-economy airline for nearly two decades, is repositioning itself to cash in on business class travel. In November 2024, IndiGo Stretch, a brand-new business class product with a number of complimentary services, was rolled out to compete with Air India on metro-to-metro routes and cater to premium guests of its international codeshare partners. IndiGo Stretch features wider seats in a 2-2 configuration, with greater recline, extra legroom, adjustable headrests, and power outlets. IndiGo Stretch bookings include liberal cabin baggage allowance (12kg per person) and priority check-in.

Budget flight tickets of Japan Airlines and other major carriers flying between USA and India are just a call away. Call the toll-free +1800-615-3969 to grab Indian Eagle’s phone-only deals for affordable trips from USA to India and beyond. Indian Eagle, a leading travel-booking partner of Indian Diaspora and Americans, has been booking international flights at the lowest prices for nearly 20 years.

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Aircraft shortage has been a major setback to Air India’s expansion plans, revival goals, transformation journey, and revenues since late Ratan Tata bought back the airline with its outdated fleet. Making the derelict, debt-ridden airline take off to great heights in full glory again proved to be more than a monumental task over time. Despite a multibillion-dollar order placed in February 2023 for a new wide-body fleet, global supply chain issues and geo-political tensions continued to delay new aircraft delivery, as well as retrofitting of the existing aircraft.

As they say every dark cloud has a silver lining, Air India welcomed 2026 with a brand-new B787-9 Dreamliner having arrived to New Delhi from Seattle on 11 January. The first Dreamliner, in the series of 20 Boeing 787-9s, will be inducted into long-haul passenger service in February, and 2026 will see a total of 6 new widebody deliveries including two A350-1000s, according to a media briefing from the Tata Group.

“The induction of an advanced Boeing aircraft into Air India’s fleet is like the dawn of a new beginning. The brand-new B787-9 is not just the first line-fit Dreamliner, it is a new hope for Air India to reclaim its dominance in the nonstop flights service corridor, like from USA to India. Inarguably, aircraft shortage is the principal reason for continued suspension of Air India flights to Washington Dulles IAD since 01 September 2025,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor at IndianEagle.com.

In addition to a Boeing 787-9, Air India took phased delivery of six widebody A350-900s as part of its historic Airbus order including 34 A350-1000s. The safest and best aircraft in Air India’s long-haul fleet, A350-900s have stabilized operations for nonstop flights from New Delhi to New York JFK, Newark EWR, and London Heathrow. Air India’s A350 flights with Premium Economy seats, best-in-class amenities, superlative inflight service, and choicest food have earned rave reviews from passengers traveling between New York and New Delhi.

B777-200LRs leased from Delta Airlines and B777-300ERs leased from Etihad could not survive the pitfalls of Pakistan’s airspace closure, such as rerouting of long-haul flights, refueling stops in Europe, longer travel time, stretched crew duty hours, additional fuel intake, and increased operational overheads. That’s why Air India decided to operate two key routes – San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru – with short layovers in the US and/or India, starting in March this year.

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2025 was full of events for international aviation, with mixed results for airlines and travelers alike. Staff strike, airspace restrictions, airport system outage, US government shutdown, and likes caused operational disruptions through 2025. However, 2026 is the year of aviation technology upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi rollout, terminal developments, new airport launch, etc. – which are highly anticipated to make international aviation less vulnerable. It may impact your travel from USA to India and beyond in 2026.

International Air Travel Trends in 2026 from USA to India  

1. Major US airport upgrades in 2026

Through 2026, several major US airport upgrades will enhance international travel and ease passenger flow. New York JFK Airport Terminal One will begin phased operations in 2026. Baltimore-Washington BWI Airport will unveil its revamped terminal on 9 January 2026. Seattle–Tacoma Airport (SEA) is finalizing major concourse and passenger facility enhancements by 2026 to streamline passenger flow. The recently launched Pittsburgh International Airport will continue welcoming travelers into 2026 with faster and more modern facilities.

2. India’s new international airports in 2026

Indian Aviation is soaring to new heights with two new world-class international airports: Navi Mumbai NMIA and Noida Jewar DXN. Aiming to boost global connectivity and aviation economy for multibillion dollars, both Navi Mumbai and Noida Jewar airports will kick international operations soon. Among the upcoming airports in India, Bhogapuram International Airport is a much-awaited gateway to Andhra Pradesh. The airport coming up near the coastal city of Vishakhapatnam is anticipated to commence operations by June 2026.

3. New wheelchair policy for Indian airports in 2026

Curbing the misuse of passenger assistance is one of the key international travel trends in 2026, with Indian Aviation moving toward more efficient service models. Under the updated DGCA wheelchair policy, airlines may charge able-bodied passengers for wheelchair requests to check misuse, while travelers with genuine mobility needs will continue to receive assistance free of charge. Although the rule has been approved and added to the DGCA regulations, airlines have not fully implemented charges yet, as fee structures are still being finalized.

4. Singapore’s No Boarding Rule for inbound travelers

Starting 30 January 2026, Singapore will enforce a No-Boarding Directive requiring airlines to stop passengers from boarding flights if they do not meet Singapore’s entry requirements. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will notify airlines about travelers flagged as high-risk or ineligible, including those without valid visas or passports. Airlines must deny boarding to these travelers or face penalties. Singapore’s No Boarding Rule helps prevent last-minute disruptions for Singapore Airlines flights to India from USA, and other airlines.

5. Emirates to offer turbulence-free flights in 2026

Turbulence being a major risk to passenger safety at 35,000 feet, Emirates is leveraging artificial intelligence to make skies safer for travelers in 2026. Among the international air travel trends is operating turbulence-free flights that Emirates is looking forward to in a bid to position itself as the world’s safest airline. Emirates Airlines has introduced an AI-based turbulence prediction system that leverages real-time data to improve forecasting of turbulence and alert pilots accordingly. Isn’t it a compelling reason to book Emirates flight tickets for international travel?

6. Fewer nonstop flights between India and USA in 2026

The US-India travel corridor is witnessing a shift with the shrinking number of nonstop Air India flights from USA to India. Starting March 2026, Air India flights from San Francisco to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru will stop being nonstop due to airspace restrictions, rising operational costs, and other setbacks. 2026 will see fewer nonstop flights between USA and India than previous years. Read about Air India restructuring its international operations.

7. US Airports That Offer Visitor Passes to Go Past Security

Last-minute hugs and byes are back at airport terminals in the US. Several US airports now allow non-travelers to enter post-security terminal areas through approved visitor or guest pass programs. Seattle–Tacoma, San Diego, Orlando, Philadelphia, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa, and New Orleans offer limited daily passes that let visitors clear TSA security without a boarding pass. Visitor Pass programs typically require online pre-approval and highlight a broader shift toward more accessible and friendly US airport experiences. Airport visitor passes in the USA are a growing aviation trend for 2026.

8. Airlines rolling out in-flight Wi-Fi Expands in 2026

Steady in-flight Wi-Fi is emerging as a major international air travel trend in 2026. Several international airlines are moving toward faster and more accessible onboard connectivity. British Airways has announced a fleet-wide rollout of free high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink in 2026. American Airlines is rolling out complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members from January 2026. Air France is also expanding Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi across its widebody fleet through 2026. Meanwhile, Air India continues to equip international aircraft on the US-India route with onboard Wi-Fi, with broader availability expected in 2026.

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Indians in the USA are not just running Google, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM; they are also vigorously working to heal the world. From 14-year-old Indian American Siddharth Nandyala who developed an AI app to detect heart attacks, to Dr. Teresa Puthussery researching to restore vision to the visually impaired, Indian-origin innovators are making a global impact. The latest on the list is Deblina Sarkar, an MIT scientist, whose invention is reimagining effective treatment of complex brain diseases without a single surgical cut.

Who is Deblina Sarkar, the Indian Scientist at MIT

Deblina Sarkar is an Indian electrical engineer, inventor, and researcher, born in Kolkata, West Bengal. Currently, she is an assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A graduate of IIT Dhanbad, she completed her master’s and PhD in nanoelectronics from the University of California. Deblina is best known for developing Circulatronics, a pioneering medical technology that uses microscopic, injectable electronic chips to diagnose and treat brain diseases without invasive surgery.

What is Circulatronics?

Circulatronics is the technology that could be the best invention of 2025 or one of the biggest breakthroughs in the current decade. It will revolutionize the way cerebral diseases are diagnosed and treated currently. Instead of inserting electrodes or implants through invasive procedures, MIT researcher Deblina’s Circulatronics uses microscopic, wireless electronic chips (SWEDSs) that are fused with living cells and injected into the bloodstream.

Once in the body, SWEDSs – which are one billionth the size of a rice grain – drift through the bloodstream, access deceased areas in the brain, and implant themselves non-surgically. Activated and powered by an infrared laser outside the skull, the electronic chips deliver highly focused electrical stimulation to treat the impaired neurons deep in the brain. This offers a potentially safer and more accessible way to treat neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, chronic pain, and brain tumors.

From Kolkata to MIT: Deblina Sarkar’s Journey

Behind every breakthrough is a story of persistence, and for Deblina Sarkar, it began in Kolkata, the City of Joy. Growing up in India, her father instilled in her a philosophy that became her guiding light: “Live like a Saint, Work like a Giant.” Deblina later added her own touch: “…and Laugh like a Child.” These words carried her through the toughest early days of her career. In her own words, she faced over 35 grant rejections in just the first two years while proposing a surgery-free brain implant.

Reviewers initially thought it was impossible, but her belief, discipline, and curiosity never waned. Eventually, her research proved it feasible, leading to the creation of the first autonomous, surgery-free brain implants and earning the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award with one of the highest impact scores ever. She dedicated this success to her team at MIT and her parents in India, noting that “if anyone wants to achieve big, having supporting parents like mine is very important.”

Deblina Sarkar’s Awards and Recognition

Beyond the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, Deblina Sarkar’s invention has earned widespread global recognition. She has received the IEEE Nanotechnology Early Career Award, becoming the only awardee in the world, and was named an Innovative Early Career Engineer by the US National Academy of Engineering. She has also been featured among Science News’ “10 Scientists to Watch” and MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 from India.

Her research excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious honors, such as the MIND Prize for neuroscience innovation, the iCANX Young Scientist Award, and the Falling Walls Lab Young Innovator Award. She was also conferred the Distinguished Alumnus Award as a Young Achiever. Her PhD dissertation was acclaimed as one of the top three in the USA and Canada, and she was invited to present at the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, a rare recognition for young scientists.

Travel Beats, a subsidiary of Indian Eagle, gives a shoutout to achievements of Indians in America through a series of success stories. Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in USA, makes sure students, H1B visa holders, senior citizens on B2 visa, OCI Cardholders and others travel on best flights between USA and India for the lowest fares.

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“Air India cancelling San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru flights starting March 2026, is in the news today. Travelers hit the panic button over their bookings for travel to India in 2026. We are experiencing an influx of queries, like when Air India would resume these routes, when they would be able to book these routes for their parents’ convenient travel on Air India,” said Dheeraj Dhuvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.

The Air India news trending online is not true. In fact, Air India will continue to operate from SFO to Bengaluru and Mumbai through 2026, but flights are no longer nonstop or point to point. In fact, Air India flights from SFO to Mumbai and Bengaluru stopped being nonstop when Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines in April 2025. For the past 9 months, Air India has been making route adjustments to bypass the restricted airspace and rerouting these flights with short fueling stops in Vienna or Kolkata (CCU).

Air India flights to and from San Francisco in 2026

San Francisco to Mumbai has one-stop or two-stop operations in Air India’s 2026 schedule. In some itineraries, Alaska Airlines being an interline partner will connect to Air India flights from New York JFK to Mumbai. In some itineraries, Air India will operate this long-haul route via Kolkata and Delhi as short layovers (1 to 2 hours each). The flight from SFO to Kolkata, and from Kolkata to DEL Airport is the same, AI 174 (B777-300ER). It means no aircraft change, no deboarding at CCU Airport. The leg from New Delhi to Mumbai (final destination) involves aircraft change.

Air India flights from SFO to Bengaluru will continue to have two pitstops – Kolkata and Delhi – in 2026.  But AI flights, BLR to SFO, are one-stop itineraries via New Delhi Airport. To be precise, nonstop travel from San Francisco to Mumbai and Bengaluru is a thing of the past. Domestic layovers are common in Air India’s international operations.

With Mumbai or Bengaluru being your final destination, Air India will be flying through New Delhi, one of the two domestic pitstops for flights originating in San Francisco. There is not only aircraft change but also terminal change at Delhi IGI Airport. You need to transfer from Terminal 3 to T2 at DEL Airport for domestic connection to Mumbai or Bengaluru.

Are Air India flights from SFO to Delhi nonstop? 

Since Air India is rerouting flights from San Francisco over Mongolian airspace between Russia and China, it has changed the course of SFO-DEL itineraries, which include a short refueling stop in Kolkata. There is no deboarding of passengers for aircraft or terminal change at Kolkata Airport during a layover of up to 1.5 hours.

Luckily, most of Air India flights from New Delhi to San Francisco are nonstop, and total travel time is 17 hours. B777-200LRs from Air India’s fleet will operate this route with fuel efficiency, spacious cabins, flat-bed seating (in Business Class), and other modern features.

Alternate options to Air India for SFO to India travel

Though the flying time from SFO to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi has increased by 8 to 10 hours due to domestic pitstops, many Indians still prefer Air India over other airlines due to no international transit. If you’re looking for alternate options to Air India flights from SFO to India, you can check out Indian Eagle deals from other airlines or call +1800-615-3969 for phone-only budget deals. By the way, don’t give a miss to our Christmas-special flight discount coupons for your travel in 2026.

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Both the US and India are high-traffic markets for Turkish Airlines. After having expanded beyond New Delhi and Mumbai through IndiGo in India, Turkish Airlines is eyeing expansion across USA through Southwest Airlines, a leading low-cost carrier headquartered in Texas. The recently announced Turkish-Southwest partnership will take effect in early 2026, enabling seamless domestic connections through America for both inbound and outbound passengers of Turkish Airlines.

Benefits of Turkish–Southwest partnership for US–India travelers

Currently, Turkish Airlines operates point-to-point flights between USA and India via Istanbul. Within the US, it does not serve destinations beyond its 14 American gateways: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas DFW, Houston, NY JFK, Newark EWR, and Washington DC (IAD). As an interline partner, Southwest Airlines will provide further domestic connections from 10 of Turkish Airlines gateways in the US.

Starting in 2026, you will be able to continue your journey on Southwest Airlines’ domestic flights from:

• Atlanta to Memphis, Nashville, Montgomery, Charleston, Raleigh
• Boston to Philadelphia, Portland, Hartford, Atlantic City
• Chicago to Minneapolis, Columbus, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville
• Seattle to Alaska, Portland, Boise, Salem
• Los Angeles to Phoenix, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston
• San Francisco to Las Vegas, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Santa Barbara
• DC IAD to Charleston, Charlotte, Lexington, Cleveland
• Detroit to Madison, Cincinnati, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Cleveland

Precisely, Turkish Airlines’ passengers from India and other countries can fly to their final destinations from the above 10 entry airports in USA. Likewise, travelers from Southwest Airlines’ domestic network can seamlessly board Turkish Airlines flights to India and other destinations at those major US gateway airports. The Southwest-Turkish partnership will help expand your itineraries on single flight tickets, making it easier to manage the journey. Turkish Airlines’ global passengers can travel to over 100 US cities where Türkiye’s flag carrier does not fly to.

Turkish Airlines’ baggage allowance through Southwest’s domestic network

Effective 28 May 2025, Southwest Airlines eliminated its liberal “bags fly free” policy to charge domestic passengers for checked bags. Southwest Airlines’ new checked baggage fee is $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second bag. But Turkish Airlines’ passengers are exempt from paying Southwest Airlines’ checked baggage fees due to the Turkish-Southwest partnership. Turkish Airlines’ free checked baggage allowance will apply throughout your itinerary including the leg to be operated by Southwest Airlines.

The post Indians from Small US Cities can Travel on Turkish Airlines Flights to India, Starting in 2026 first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Indians from Small US Cities can Travel on Turkish Airlines Flights to India, Starting in 2026 appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Like previous years, 2026 will see airlines launching new routes and reshuffling their existing flights in the US-India corridor. 2025 had a great lineup of new flight services from USA to India, with strong anticipations for Air India’s nonstop connectivity to Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Atlanta. Air India’s direct network expansion is not happening in the US anytime soon, whereas Cathay Pacific and British Airways are making a comeback to Seattle and Dallas DFW respectively in 2026. St. Louis in Missouri, and Charlotte, NC will get new one-stop flights to India in the New Year.

Cathay Pacific resuming flights to Seattle 

Of the airlines opening new routes between USA and India in 2026 is Cathay Pacific. Seattle Tacoma Airport is all set to welcome back Cathay Pacific Airways after 6 years of its last flight to Seattle in 2020. Cathay Pacific’s five weekly service to and from Seattle is scheduled to take off on 30 March in 2026. Indians in the West Coast will get another route option to fly from Seattle to India via Hong Kong.

IndianEagle.com offers the best flight deals of Cathay Pacific and other airlines operating from Seattle and other US cities to India. Seattle will be its 7^th US gateway after Boston, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas, Texas. In 2025, the flag carrier of Hong Kong added Dallas DFW and Hyderabad RGI airports to its network. Cathay Pacific is known for offering cozy seating, quality customer service, and outstanding inflight dining in all travel classes.

Etihad Airways connecting Charlotte to India via Abu Dhabi

A new route a year keeps Etihad Airways growing in the US-India travel market. After having successfully connected Boston and Atlanta to India in 2024 and 2025 respectively, Etihad is all set for Charlotte, NC with four weekly flights starting 23 March 2026. North Carolina Indians will get to travel on Etihad flights to India from Charlotte other than Lufthansa operating from RDU Airport. Precisely, Etihad is the first Middle East carrier to expand to North Carolina, USA.

“Flying with Etihad Airways has certain perks, including Abu Dhabi stopover programs. We have the best Abu Dhabi stopover packages with discounts for Indians and Americans. The best Indian Eagle deals for Etihad flights and Abu Dhabi stopover are available over phone calls to +1800-615-3969. One of the 10 safest carriers in the world, Etihad is a family-friendly airline with inflight nanny service and trained nurses for guests,” said Dheeraj Dhuvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.

British Airways resuming flights to St. Louis and Dallas DFW 

St. Louis, Missouri is one of the new flight routes coming up between USA and India in 2026. From 19 April, British Airways will be flying to St. Louis International Airport four times a week and connect its flights from St. Louis to India via London Heathrow. This route will be operated by B787 Dreamliner known for fuel efficiency, comfort, and sleek cabin design. The aircraft has three cabin classes: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class).

Currently, most airlines have two-stop itineraries from St. Louis to India, except United and American Airlines. Flying with United or American Airlines means checking in only one bag for free – a disadvantage for family travellers. However, British Airways’ upcoming service will provide Indians in Missouri with smooth one-stop flights to Delhi and Mumbai and generous checked baggage allowance. Book British Airways tickets at affordable prices through IndianEagle.com.

Interestingly, British Airways will resume its service to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and Miami, Florida in summer 2026. Reportedly, British Airways’ Dallas to India flights via London Heathrow will be restored with a daily service, while Miami International Airport will get a double daily service by the airline. BA is also ramping up its frequency to 14 weekly services to San Diego and Austin in the south coast.

EgyptAir making comeback to Chicago and LAX

EgyptAir is reviving some of its previously terminated services to the United States. Los Angeles LAX and Chicago ORD airports will welcome EgyptAir flights back in 2026. With flights to Los Angeles in May and to Chicago in June 2026, EgyptAir will venture into the Midwest and Southwest regions. Currently, it serves only the US east coast -New York JFK, Newark EWR, and Washington DC, IAD.    

Like the Middle East carriers, EgyptAir operates one-stop flights between USA and India via its hub, Cairo International Airport. The upcoming EgyptAir flights from LAX and ORD to Cairo will further connect to New Delhi and Mumbai. Like Ethiopian Airlines’free stopover in Addis Ababa, EgyptAir’s Cairo stopover comes with free accommodation during a layover over 6 hours. International transit passengers can obtain a free 96-hour transit visa to Egypt for a hassle-free stopover.       

Turkish Airlines’ partnership with Southwest Airlines  

Turkish Airlines has long been eying expansion in both the US and India. While IndiGo serves the purpose by connecting Turkish Airlines’ passengers to its domestic network across India, Southwest Airlines will be serving the same purpose in the US starting 2026. Recently, Southwest Airlines announced interline partnership with Turkish Airlines – which will be effective in 2026.

As an interline partner, Southwest will provide seamless domestic connections to and from Turkish Airlines’ major US gateways, including Dallas DFW, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Washington DC. Grab Turkish Airlines’ lowest fare deals for US-India travel at IndianEagle.com.

Air France adding Las Vegas to its network

Come April 2026, Air France will start a three-weekly service to Las Vegas – the entertainment capital of the world. As per the 2026 summer flight schedule, Air France will connect Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Paris CDG on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Like British Airways and KLM, Air France flights from Las Vegas will further connect to India and other countries. Since 2021, Air France has been expanding its US network: Denver in 2021, Dallas DFW in 2022, Raleigh RDU in 2023, Phoenix in 2024, and Orlando, FL in 2025.

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The post Airlines Adding New Flight Routes to US-India Corridor in 2026 for Your Better Travel Options first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Airlines Adding New Flight Routes to US-India Corridor in 2026 for Your Better Travel Options appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.