Air India-Air New Zealand Ink Codeshare Deal, Eye Direct Flights by 2028


Skift Take

Cricket and Edmund Hillary may no longer be the only forces uniting India and New Zealand. A direct flight could significantly boost tourism between the two countries, with New Zealand smartly promoting off-season travel in India.

Air India has signed an agreement with Air New Zealand to introduce a codeshare partnership on 16 routes spanning India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

Indian travelers from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai will soon be able to connect via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore on Air New Zealand flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.

Air India has recently expanded its codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia and All Nippon Airways.

The agreement with Air New Zealand was formalized at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday night during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India.

One of the most significant aspects of the deal is a commitment to explore the feasibility of a direct flight service between India and New Zealand by 2028.

“This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and s