Auckland Airport and Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering greater collaboration in trade, tourism, and connectivity between New Zealand and India. The announcement comes as the New Zealand government, led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and a business delegation visit India to explore new economic opportunities.
Prime Minister Luxon welcomed the MoU, emphasising the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations. “India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and presents an incredible opportunity for our exporters to expand their markets. Greater cooperation between our airports, which facilitate tourism, trade, and people-to-people links, is a fantastic step forward,” he stated.
Carrie Hurihanganui, Chief Executive, Auckland Airport, who is part of the business delegation, highlighted the vast potential for increased air connectivity, tourism, and freight movement between New Zealand and India. She noted that the MoU aims to facilitate discussions on launching direct flights between Delhi and Auckland, a long-awaited development that would significantly boost travel between the two cities.
“We’re proud to sign this MoU with Delhi Airport, marking a major step in strengthening our relationship with one of Asia’s busiest hub airports,” said Hurihanganui. “Delhi Airport handled 78 million passengers in 2024 and is directly connected to 71 international cities, including London, Dubai, Singapore, New York, Toronto, and Sydney. The travel market between our two cities is growing, with around 150 travellers flying daily in each direction between Delhi and Auckland.”
She further explained Auckland Airport’s role in growing New Zealand’s air connectivity. “Approximately 75 per cent of all international visitors to New Zealand first arrive via Auckland Airport. While we currently have 26 airlines flying to 42 destinations, overall seat capacity remains 9 per cent lower than in 2019. Strengthening partnerships like this one with Delhi Airport will help restore air connectivity, boost tourism, and enhance export opportunities.”
Currently, there are no direct flights between New Zealand and India, despite a strong and increasing demand. The number of travellers between India and New Zealand has surged by 78 per cent since 2015. In 2024 alone, 351,000 people travelled between the two countries, with 110,000 of them flying between Delhi and Auckland. Additionally, 102,000 New Zealand residents visited India, while 83,000 Indian residents travelled to New Zealand.
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, Delhi International Airport said, “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Delhi Airport and Auckland Airport marks a significant step in enhancing trade, tourism, and connectivity between India and New Zealand. This collaboration aims to support the growing demand for travel between the two countries, particularly on the Delhi-Auckland route. As India’s economy continues to grow, it will strengthen the flow of people, goods, and ideas, and open up new opportunities for tourism and freight.
“We are excited about the potential ahead. This partnership promises to drive long-term growth and strengthen the ties between our two great nations. We look forward to working closely with Auckland Airport to help make non-stop flights a reality and to share best practices in airport operations and customer experience.”
Hurihanganui said the Indian market presented further opportunities for growth, with Tourism New Zealand figures showing there are around 18 million people actively considering a visit to New Zealand, with 57 per cent identifying New Zealand as their top destination choice.
Tourism New Zealand figures also indicate 77 per cent of visitors from India come in the off-peak season, making it the perfect market for New Zealand to grow tourism outside the busy summer peak.
“We also know a growing number of people of Indian origin call New Zealand home with around 330,000 living in New Zealand. India is our second largest source of international students and largest source of skilled migrants – both of which must be underpinned by strong aviation connections,” she said.
