Star Alliance partners Air New Zealand and Air India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance air connectivity between India and New Zealand, marking a significant step toward strengthening travel, tourism, and economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement, signed in Mumbai in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other dignitaries, lays the groundwork for an expanded codeshare partnership and a potential direct service between the two countries by 2028.
Under the agreement, Air India and Air New Zealand will introduce a new codeshare partnership covering 16 routes connecting India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
This will provide passengers with more seamless travel options, allowing them to book itineraries that combine flights from both airlines. Travellers from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai will be able to fly on Air India to Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore, where they can then connect to Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.
The partnership aims to simplify travel between the two countries, increase accessibility, and promote both nations as key tourism and business destinations.
A key highlight of the MoU is the commitment to exploring the introduction of a direct flight service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to aircraft availability and government approvals. The prospect of a direct route would eliminate the need for stopovers and significantly cut travel time, making it easier for Indian travellers to visit New Zealand for tourism, education, and business. Given the rapid expansion of the Indian aviation market and the increasing number of outbound travellers, the move is seen as a strategic step to cater to growing demand.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran underscored the importance of the Indian market for the airline, calling it a key area for future growth.
“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,” he said.
Foran also emphasised the broader significance of the Indian market to New Zealand, stating, “Today’s event underscores the significance of the Indian market to New Zealand, not only for tourism but also for strengthening business and education ties.”
“We are committed to working collaboratively to grow the travel market over the coming years, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful direct service by 2028.”
Air India’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to expanding its global network through new and expanded codeshare agreements, particularly with its Star Alliance partners.
“As part of Air India’s ongoing transformation, we have been expanding our global network using our aircraft as well as through new or expanded codeshare agreements with other airlines, chiefly our Star Alliance partners,”
Wilson said.
He highlighted the significance of the partnership with Air New Zealand, adding, “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.”
“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.”
The agreement is expected to enhance travel experiences while supporting trade, tourism, and economic growth. Currently, Air New Zealand passengers travelling between New Zealand and India rely on strong connectivity via Singapore Airlines, transiting through Singapore. The new codeshare agreement will introduce additional options, ensuring greater convenience for passengers while also laying the foundation for the potential direct route.
Tourism New Zealand has expressed strong support for the MoU, recognizing the immense potential of the Indian travel market. According to its research, 18 million people in key Indian cities such as New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are actively considering travelling to New Zealand.
More than 80,000 international travellers arrived from India last year, marking a 23 per cent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The long-term outlook is positive, with India identified as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Indian travellers are particularly drawn to New Zealand’s scenic landscapes, cultural attractions, and famous film locations.
With India emerging as a major source market for tourism and business, this agreement between Air India and Air New Zealand is poised to drive growth in both sectors. The codeshare flights will be made available for booking progressively, subject to regulatory approvals. The aviation industry and travellers alike will be closely watching the next steps, as both airlines work towards making a direct India-New Zealand flight a reality in the coming years.
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