Air New Zealand and Air India Forge Codeshare Partnership, Explore Direct Flights by 2028
Star Alliance partners Air New Zealand and Air India have signed a landmark MoU to enhance air connectivity between India and New Zealand. The MoU, signed in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Christopher Luxon, marks a significant step toward strengthening ties and improving travel options for passengers between the two nations.
The partnership establishes a new codeshare agreement across 16 routes, allowing seamless travel between major Indian cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai—and key New Zealand destinations including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore. This collaboration aims to offer greater convenience, ease of booking, and more travel choices for passengers.
A key highlight of the agreement is the commitment by Air New Zealand and Air India to explore the introduction of a direct flight between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, pending new aircraft deliveries and regulatory approvals.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of the partnership, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Mr. Greg Foran said, “India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand. This codeshare agreement is an important first step, offering more options for travelers while we work towards establishing a direct service. We are committed to building stronger business, education, and tourism ties between our countries.”
Echoing these sentiments, Mr Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & CEO of Air India, remarked, “As part of Air India’s global transformation, we are expanding our network through key alliances. This deepened relationship with Air New Zealand will simplify customer journeys and help us develop the market for a future non-stop service between India and New Zealand.”
The codeshare flights will be progressively available for booking, subject to regulatory approvals, promising a new era of enhanced connectivity and travel between India and New Zealand.
