• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Free Wi-Fi On Air India Domestic Flights: Do you know you will now have access to the internet while flying in an airplane? Yes, you heard it right. In a piece of good news for passengers of Air India domestic flights, you can now use the internet, open your Facebook, watch reels, and post stories on WhatsApp while flying even above 10,000 feet. Air India, has enabled free Wi-fi services for its passengers. The internet will work on Android and iOS phones, laptops and tablets.

According to an official release, the service comes after a pilot program on Air India’s international routes, including those to New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. Wi-Fi will be accessible on the airline’s Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and certain Airbus A321neo aircraft. Let's take a look at how it will work:

Free Wi-fi On Air India Flights: How To Connect With Wi-fi Onboard?

In order to connect to Air India's Wi-Fi onboard, you just need to follow these simple steps:

- Open your settings option and enable Wi-Fi.

- You will see the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network on the screen of your device.

- Once you tap on the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network, you will be redirected to the Air India portal. Tap your PNR and last name and enjoy.

Free Wi-Fi on Air India Flights: How Does This Work?

The in-flight internet operates using two different technologies. The first is an air-to-ground system, where an antenna on the aircraft picks up signals from the nearest ground tower. The connection will stay stable up to a certain altitude unless the plane flies over an area lacking ground towers. The signals from the ground towers are directed upwards, with the onboard antennas placed underneath the aircraft.

The second technology is satellite-based Wi-Fi, which is now more widely used. Ground stations transmit internet signals to the aircraft via satellites, using antennas placed on top of the plane. This method offers broader coverage and is especially useful for maintaining connectivity in regions lacking ground towers.

Free Wi-Fi On Air India Flights: Why Is Mobile Data Banned In Flights?

The Civil Aviation Authority states that "scientific studies have indicated that mobile phones can disrupt the normal functioning of aircraft equipment and may also cause interference with the pilot's headsets."

"While most mobile phones don’t emit strong radio waves, devices including Kindles, iPods, laptops and even handheld gaming consoles all also give off radio waves, especially in a compact space," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel expert told Conde Nast.