This year, the Sikh community will be celebrating the 550th birth anniversary of their first guru and the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev.
Air India has decided to make this occasion special by painting the Ik Onkar symbol on one of its planes. This is the first time an Indian airline has made such a gesture.
Delighted that @airindiain is celebrating the #550thParkashPurab of Guru Nanak Dev ji by painting ੴ (Ek Onkar symbol) on its aircrafts. It represents the fundamental teaching of Sikhism that “God is one”. The entire #Sikh community is proud of this humble tribute. pic.twitter.com/NxMbAegzrb
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) October 26, 2019
According to a report by ANI, the symbol that holds utmost significance for the Sikh community has been put on Air India’s Boeing 787 aircraft which will fly on 31st October from Amritsar to Stansted, United Kingdom.

The aircraft that has the capacity of 256 passengers, will also serve Punjabi cuisine to the passengers onboard.
The fuselage will of the aircraft will also be marked with the words ‘Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji 550 Years Celebrations’.
Heartwarming to see ‘Ik Onkar’ painted on the tail of @airindiain’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner as part of the historic celebrations on the #550thPrakashPurb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/rfKvsaCdBc
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 28, 2019
In conversation with ANI, Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani talked about the reason behind the launch of a direct flight between Amritsar and London.
We realised that the exterior of a flight is unique and it can be used to promote tourism. Our flights are flying around the world and India’s message should reach maximum places. This is the reason behind this move.
People are praising this move by the airline on this special occasion for the Sikh community.
Ik Onkar painted on the tail of Air India’s Boeing 787 . Wow 😍 #Vaaheguru 🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/wTHNeBfi0L
— Sonam Mishra (@gumnaamladki) October 28, 2019
I appreciate the innovative idea on the 550th birth anniversary year of painting the tail of Air plane with ‘IK ONKAR’ this is the mark of respect towards Sikhism,
— Amandeep Singh (@aman4mchd) October 28, 2019
Thank you @narendramodi ji and @HardeepSPuri ji. https://t.co/21G0MRMIQG
I appreciate the innovative idea on the 550th birth anniversary year of painting the tail of Air plane with ‘IK ONKAR’ this is the mark of respect towards Sikhism,
— Impreet Singh Bakshi ਇਮਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ੀ (@impreetsbakshi) October 28, 2019
Thank you @narendramodi ji and @HardeepSPuri ji. https://t.co/KK8XWLIzaO
Air India has also said that it will start a direct flight between Amritsar and Patna from October 27 to provide connectivity between Harminder Sahib in Amritsar to Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Patna.