Air New Zealand and Air India have signed a new codeshare agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen air connectivity between India and New Zealand.
The agreement was signed at an event in Mumbai attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other dignitaries.
The partnership will see codeshare arrangements on 16 routes across India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, giving passengers more choice and convenience when travelling between the two countries. Indian travellers flying from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on Air India will be able to connect in Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore onto Air New Zealand services to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran said India was an important growth market.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The MoU also includes plans to explore the introduction of direct flights between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to new aircraft deliveries and regulatory approvals.
Air India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson said the partnership built on the airline’s expanding global network.
“We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Air New Zealand,” he said. “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.”
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy said improved aviation links were essential to growing inbound travel.
“We know improved aviation links have a crucial role to play in the growth of international tourism and will make it easier for Indian travellers to come and enjoy a holiday in New Zealand,” he said.
Tourism New Zealand estimates that 18 million people in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore are considering travel to New Zealand. More than 80,000 international arrivals were recorded from India last year, a 23 per cent increase on pre-pandemic levels.
The new codeshare flights will become available progressively, pending regulatory approvals.
