Air India and Air New Zealand have announced a new codeshare partnership to boost air connectivity between India and New Zealand. Both airlines have also committed to explore the introduction of direct air services between the two countries.
During an event in Mumbai, India attended by airline and government officials from both India and New Zealand, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the establishment of a new codeshare partnership between the two airlines – both Star Alliance members.
According to both carriers, the codeshare partnership will cover 16 routes between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Customers will be able to travel from Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai on Air India-operated flights, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore on Air New Zealand-operated flights to cities in New Zealand including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.
Both airlines will also explore the introduction of new direct air services between India and New Zealand – subject to aircraft deliveries and government approvals – by the end of 2028.
During the event, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran said: "India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand, and we are excited about the opportunity to enhance connectivity for travellers between our two countries. This codeshare agreement is an important first step, offering more options for customers while we work to understand what a direct service could look like.”
Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Air India said: "As part of Air India's ongoing transformation, we have been expanding our global network using our own aircraft as well as through new or expanded codeshare agreements with other airlines, chiefly our Star Alliance partners. We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Air New Zealand, which follows the recent expansion of our codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.”
Wilson also stated the new partnership will help Air India develop traffic for future air services between India and New Zealand.
“This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and simplify customer journeys, but also help us develop traffic so that, in time to come, we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities,” Wilson added.
According to data from Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand saw a 23% increase in international travelers from India in 2024 compared to 2019 (2024 – 80,000 travelers). Around 18 million people in major cities in India including New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai are actively considering travel to New Zealand.
Powered by Froala Editor
