Return flights from India to Italy start from around ₹25,000–₹45,000 in the off-season, with direct flights now available on Air India from Delhi to both Rome and Milan. Whether you’re planning a Roman holiday, a Milanese shopping spree, or a Venetian getaway, 2026 is the best year in recent memory for India–Italy air connectivity.
Air India’s newly restored non-stop Delhi–Rome service, an expanded codeshare with the Lufthansa Group, and competitive one-stop fares via Turkish Airlines and Gulf carriers mean Indian travellers have more options — and lower prices — than ever. Here’s how to find the cheapest flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and other Indian cities to Italy in 2026.
Direct Flights from India to Italy: Air India Leads the Way
Air India is the only carrier offering non-stop flights between India and Italy in 2026. After a six-year gap caused by the pandemic, the airline restored direct connectivity in early 2026 — a major development for travellers who want to skip lengthy layovers.
Find the best Air India promo code on Wego and save up to USD 15 when you book.
Delhi to Rome (FCO) — Non-Stop
Air India resumed non-stop Delhi–Rome flights on 25 March 2026, operating four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight AI123 departs Delhi at 13:15 and arrives at Rome Fiumicino at 18:55 local time — a journey of roughly 8 hours 40 minutes.
The return flight AI122 departs Rome at 20:50, arriving in Delhi at 09:00 the next morning. The route uses a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 18 flat-bed Business Class seats and 238 Economy seats. One-way fares start from approximately ₹25,000 in Economy.
Delhi to Milan (MXP) — Non-Stop
Air India also operates a daily direct flight from Delhi to Milan Malpensa, with a flight time of roughly 7 hours 30 minutes. This route flies on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as well. One-way Economy fares start from around ₹27,666, making it one of the most affordable direct routes to Europe from India.
Milan is the gateway to northern Italy — from here, Venice, Florence, Lake Como, and the Italian Alps are all within easy reach by train.
No Direct Flights from Mumbai (Yet)
As of April 2026, there are no non-stop flights from Mumbai to any Italian city. Mumbai travellers will need to connect either through Delhi on Air India, or via Gulf and European hubs (covered below). However, ITA Airways has signalled plans to launch a Rome–Mumbai route, so this could change later in 2026.
Cheapest Connecting Flights: Gulf Hubs, Istanbul & European Carriers
If you’re flying from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata, one-stop connecting flights are your best option — and often the cheapest, even compared to Air India’s direct fares from Delhi.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul — The Most Reliable Hub
Turkish Airlines connects India to nine Italian cities via Istanbul: Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Bari, Turin, Catania, and Palermo. No other single airline offers this breadth of Italian destinations from India.
Turkish Airlines flies direct from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Istanbul, with connecting flights to Italy averaging just 2.5 hours from the hub. Total journey times typically run 11–14 hours depending on the layover. Round-trip fares from Delhi to Rome via Istanbul start from roughly ₹35,000–₹45,000 in Economy.
Emirates, Etihad & Qatar Airways via Gulf Hubs
The three major Gulf carriers remain popular choices for India–Italy travellers, connecting through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha respectively.
- Emirates — Flies from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Bangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai, with onward connections to Rome and Milan. Currently operating at reduced capacity due to regional airspace disruptions.
- Etihad Airways — Connects major Indian cities via Abu Dhabi to Rome and Milan. Also operating at reduced capacity in early 2026.
- Qatar Airways — Flies from nine Indian cities to Doha, with connections to Rome, Milan, Venice, and Pisa. Running at approximately 35–40% of pre-disruption capacity as of April 2026.
European Carriers: Lufthansa Group, KLM & Air France
The Lufthansa Group — including Swiss and Austrian Airlines — offers strong India–Italy connectivity through Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich. A recently expanded codeshare partnership with Air India now covers 146 routes across 12 Indian and 26 European cities — meaning you can book a single ticket from cities like Pune, Goa, or Indore all the way to Rome or Milan.
KLM and Air France connect via Amsterdam and Paris respectively, serving Delhi and Mumbai with onward flights to multiple Italian cities.
Complete Route and Price Comparison
Here’s a snapshot of the cheapest available fares from India’s major cities to Italy’s top destinations. Prices are approximate round-trip Economy fares and fluctuate by season and booking window.
| From | To | Type | Starting Fare (Return) | Best Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Rome | Non-stop | ₹49,999* | Air India |
| Delhi | Milan | Non-stop | ₹42,988 | Air India |
| Mumbai | Rome | 1 stop | ₹30,000–₹40,000 | Turkish Airlines, Etihad |
| Mumbai | Milan | 1 stop | ₹25,586 | Gulf Air, Etihad |
| Bangalore | Rome | 1 stop | ₹35,000–₹48,000 | Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa |
| Chennai | Rome | 1 stop | ₹35,000–₹50,000 | Turkish Airlines, Emirates |
| Hyderabad | Rome | 1 stop | ₹36,000–₹50,000 | Qatar Airways, Etihad |
| Kolkata | Rome | 1 stop | ₹45,000–₹57,000 | Emirates, Qatar Airways |
*Air India’s Delhi–Rome return fares are from a promotional offer. Fares are indicative and subject to change. Compare the latest prices on Wego.
When to Book for the Cheapest Fares
Timing your booking right can save you ₹15,000–₹30,000 on a round trip. Italy’s tourism season creates predictable price swings, and knowing the pattern puts you in control.
Best Months to Fly (Lowest Fares)
- February–March — The cheapest window, with return fares dipping below ₹30,000 from some cities. Italy is cold but less crowded, and airfares hit their annual low.
- November — Another budget-friendly window after the autumn rush ends. Expect fares in the ₹35,000–₹45,000 range.
Shoulder Season: The Smart Play
April–May and September–October are the sweet spot — warm weather (18–28°C), manageable crowds, and fares roughly 30–40% cheaper than peak summer. Return tickets typically range from ₹45,000–₹65,000 depending on your departure city.
This is when most experienced travellers visit Italy. You get pleasant weather for sightseeing, shorter queues at the Colosseum and Uffizi, and restaurants that aren’t overwhelmed with tourists.
Peak Season to Avoid (or Budget Extra For)
June–August is peak summer tourism season. Fares from India to Italy can surge to ₹70,000–₹95,000 return, and Italy’s top attractions are packed. December holidays also see elevated prices. If you must travel in summer, book at least 3–4 months ahead to lock in reasonable fares.
How Far Ahead to Book
For the best combination of availability and price, book 2–3 months in advance for shoulder season, and 4–6 months in advance for summer travel. Last-minute bookings rarely yield savings on India–Italy routes.
Schengen Visa for Indian Travellers: What You Need
All Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Italy. The visa allows you to stay in Italy (and any other Schengen country) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visa Fees (As of 2026)
- Adults: EUR 90 (~₹8,100)
- Children (6–12 years): EUR 45
- Children under 6: Free
- VFS Global service charge: Approximately ₹2,500–₹3,000 per application (varies by centre)
The Schengen visa fee increased from EUR 80 to EUR 90 in October 2025. Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Where to Apply — VFS Global Centres
Italy visa applications in India are processed through VFS Global. There are centres in 14 cities across the country, grouped under three diplomatic jurisdictions:
- Embassy of Italy, New Delhi: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar
- Consulate General, Mumbai: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi
- Consulate General, Kolkata: Kolkata, Guwahati
- Additional centres: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow
Appointments are mandatory and booked online — no walk-ins. Book your appointment slot at visa.vfsglobal.com.
Key Documents Required
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport (at least 3 months’ validity beyond your return date, with 2 blank pages)
- Two recent passport photos (35×45 mm)
- Confirmed flight booking and hotel reservations
- Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage
- Bank statements from the last 6 months showing sufficient funds
- Cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your trip
Processing Time
Standard processing takes 15–20 working days, but during peak season (May–July), it can extend to 30 days or more. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date to be safe. Visa applications can be submitted up to 6 months before your planned trip.
How to Find the Best Deals on Wego
Finding the lowest fare isn’t just about picking the right month — it’s about searching smart. Here are practical strategies that consistently yield cheaper India–Italy flights.
Compare Across All Departure Cities
Don’t assume your home city offers the cheapest fare. A domestic flight to Delhi (₹3,000–₹5,000) followed by Air India’s direct flight to Rome or Milan can work out cheaper than a one-stop international ticket from Mumbai or Bangalore. Use Wego’s India-to-Italy search to compare all origins at once.
Be Flexible on Italian Airports
Rome and Milan aren’t your only options. Flights to Venice or Naples via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines can sometimes be cheaper than flights to Rome — and Italy’s excellent rail network (Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecciarossa trains) makes it easy to reach any city from any airport.
Consider Open-Jaw Tickets
Fly into Rome and out of Milan (or vice versa) to avoid backtracking and potentially save money. Many airlines and Wego support multi-city search that makes this easy to price out.
Set Price Alerts
If your dates are flexible, set up price alerts on Wego for your preferred route. Fares on India–Italy routes can fluctuate by ₹10,000–₹15,000 within a single week, especially during fare sales.
Tuesday and Wednesday Departures
Mid-week flights are consistently 10–15% cheaper than weekend departures on most India–Italy routes. If you can depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return mid-week, you’ll usually pay less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there direct flights from India to Italy?
Yes. Air India operates non-stop flights from Delhi to Rome (4 times per week) and Delhi to Milan (daily) as of March 2026. There are currently no direct flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, or other Indian cities to Italy.
What is the cheapest month to fly from India to Italy?
February and March typically offer the lowest fares, with return tickets from some cities dipping below ₹30,000. November is another affordable window. Avoid June–August and December when fares can double.
How long is the flight from India to Italy?
Non-stop from Delhi to Rome takes approximately 8 hours 40 minutes. Delhi to Milan is about 7 hours 30 minutes non-stop. One-stop connecting flights via Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha typically take 11–14 hours including the layover.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Italy?
Yes. All Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa. Apply through VFS Global at least 6–8 weeks before travel. The visa fee is EUR 90 for adults. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days across the Schengen area.
Which airline is cheapest from India to Italy?
It depends on your departure city and travel dates. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Gulf carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways) often offer the most competitive one-stop fares. Air India’s direct flights from Delhi provide the best value when factoring in time saved. Compare all options on Wego.
Sources
- Air India — Non-Stop Flights to Rome from March 2026 (Press Release)
- Air India — Delhi to Milan Flights
- Turkish Airlines — Flights to Italy
- Lufthansa Group — Codeshare Expansion with Air India
- VFS Global — Italy Visa for India
- Schengen Visa for Indians 2026: EUR 90 Fee
- Momondo — Cheap Flights from India to Italy
- Aviation A2Z — ITA Airways New Routes from 2026
- Travel and Tour World — India-Italy Air Connectivity 2026
- Lufthansa Group — Summer 2026 Flight Expansion
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
