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. The agreement, signed at an event in Mumbai in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, aims to introduce a new codeshare partnership across 16 routes and explore the possibility of a direct flight between the two nations by 2028.
The codeshare agreement will enable seamless travel from Indian cities Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai on Air India flights, connecting via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown on Air New Zealand flights. The collaboration is expected to boost tourism and business travel by offering more flight choices, simplified booking options, and increased destination visibility.
Besides improving customers’ ease of booking and travel, the codeshare aims to increase visibility of the respective markets as tourism destinations.
The MoU will also see Air New Zealand and Air India explore the introduction of a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to new aircraft deliveries and approvals from relevant government regulators.
Greg Foran, Chief Executive of Air New Zealand, emphasized India’s growing significance as a tourism and business hub. He 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.
“Today’s event underscores the significance of the India 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.”.
Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO, Air India, highlighted Air India’s expansion efforts through strategic partnerships. He 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.”
He added, “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.”
Currently, Air New Zealand customers travelling between New Zealand and India benefit from strong connectivity options via Singapore Airlines, offering a smooth transit through Singapore. The prospect of a future direct route would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, providing more efficient and accessible travel opportunities.
The MoU also outlines Tourism New Zealand’s commitment to growing inbound tourism from the Indian market. Tourism New Zealand’s research shows that 18 million people in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai are actively considering traveling to New Zealand, making it a key emerging market. More than 80,000 international travellers arrived from India last year, 23 per cent more than in 2019.
The long-term growth potential is significant, with India ear-marked as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Indian travellers are keen to explore New Zealand’s vibrant landscapes, film sets and rich cultural opportunities.
Rene de Monchy, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand said, “It’s fantastic to see Air New Zealand and Air India working on stronger international connectivity between the two countries. 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.
“An added bonus is that travellers from India also have a strong tendency to visit New Zealand in the off-peak months that coincide with their major holiday periods.”
The codeshare flights will be available for booking progressively, subject to due regulatory approvals.
 to enhance air connectivity between India and New Zealand. The agreement, signed at an event in Mumbai in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, aims to introduce a new codeshare partnership across 16 routes and explore the possibility of a direct flight between the two nations by 2028.){kind=link}