“The few hours of silence without rude passengers talking or listening on speaker are now over.”
“Now 100 people on flights will shout on WhatsApp calls. Congratulations.”

These were some of the reactions on social media platform X after Air India announced in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity on domestic routes.

2025 started with exciting news for travel enthusiasts as Air India introduced complimentary internet access for passengers on select aircraft including the Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 and some Airbus A321neo models. With the move, Air India became the first carrier in the country to offer in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic routes.

“Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency,” says Rajesh Dogra, chief customer experience officer, Air India.

Accessible on Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones with iOS or Android operating systems, in-flight Wi-Fi will allow passengers to connect multiple devices simultaneously while flying above 10,000 feet.

So, basically, you can stay active on social media, stay connected with loved ones, keep texting, take WhatsApp calls, browse the internet, or even fly You can also participate in live online masterclass during. With connectivity enabled, it will also be a great help for anxious passengers.

Pretty mile high luxury? Perhaps. But it can’t be denied that the unavailability of internet on flights also has its benefits – like staying away from work emails and being free from calls from the boss.

Now with access to in-flight Wi-Fi on some Air India flights, here are some things you might miss doing:

stay away from work

“I’ll be unavailable for a few hours because I’m on a flight” is no longer a valid excuse for being away from work. Your laptop and mobile will be buzzing with emails, texts and work-related calls – and with in-flight Wi-Fi now available, you may feel obliged to answer them.

Conversely, some working professionals may find it beneficial, as they will no longer lose hours due to the inability to work while flying.

kept looking out the window

Eyes can remain glued to the screen even in the air! After all, you’ll have a lot to do on your Wi-Fi enabled gadget. Who has time to look out the window and see the vast ocean of clouds or the breathtaking landscapes below?

Reading

Choosing to book a flight has long been a ritual for many regular travelers. After all, reading on the go is one of the best ways to stay occupied during a flight!

But now, books can be left behind. When given the choice between reading a book and doomscrolling, we all know which most people would choose (or eventually do).

enjoying ‘me’ time

With no connection to the outside world or social media, those flying hours became the perfect opportunity to introspect and contemplate various aspects of life.

Sitting with your thoughts and not engaging in any distractions can be therapeutic (though, not on a long-haul flight).

take a nap without notice

Flights used to be ideal for getting uninterrupted sleep. Now, notifications are bound to disrupt that peace! Additionally, passengers will probably be talking loudly on WhatsApp calls, making it even more difficult to enjoy a comfortable nap.