Boosting Connectivity: Air New Zealand and Air India Forge Exciting Partnership

In a significant step towards strengthening ties between India and New Zealand, Star Alliance partners Air New Zealand and Air India have announced a new codeshare partnership along with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that paves the way for greater air connectivity. The announcement, made at an event in Mumbai on 20 March 2025, marks an exciting chapter for travellers, tourism, and trade between these two vibrant nations.

Expanding Travel Horizons with Codeshare Routes

The new partnership introduces codeshare agreements on 16 routes connecting India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Travellers from Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai can now seamlessly connect via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore onto Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown. This collaboration ensures smoother travel, more convenience, and greater accessibility for passengers.

Besides simplifying journeys, this partnership also promotes tourism between the two countries, increasing their visibility as sought-after destinations for leisure and business travel.

The Prospect of a Direct Link

A promising highlight of the MoU is the commitment to exploring the introduction of a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028. Subject to new aircraft deliveries and regulatory approvals, this development could revolutionise travel between the two nations, making journeys shorter and more direct while deepening ties across tourism, business, and education sectors.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran underscores the strategic importance of this partnership, describing India as a key growth market. “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.”

Similarly, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson highlights the airline’s transformation and commitment to expanding its global network. “This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and simplify customer journeys, but also help us develop traffic so that we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand.”

Tourism on the Rise

With India emerging as a rapidly growing tourism market, the partnership aligns with Tourism New Zealand’s focus on fostering inbound travel. Research indicates that 18 million people in cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai are actively considering visiting New Zealand, drawn by its stunning landscapes, film sets, and cultural opportunities. The 23% increase in Indian travellers arriving in New Zealand in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels speaks volumes about the potential for growth.

Rene de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, notes that Indian travellers often visit during off-peak seasons, complementing the existing tourism trends. Improved aviation links, such as those promised by the Air New Zealand-Air India partnership, are expected to further fuel this growth, making it easier than ever for Indian visitors to explore the Kiwi nation.

Looking Ahead

The launch of codeshare flights marks the start of an exciting journey, with bookings set to open progressively, pending regulatory approvals. For now, Air New Zealand customers can continue to enjoy seamless connectivity to India through Singapore Airlines. But the prospect of a direct route brings a new level of excitement, promising more efficient travel options in the years to come.

This partnership not only strengthens Air New Zealand and Air India’s Star Alliance connection but also heralds a new era of accessibility and collaboration between the two countries. As the travel landscape evolves, the shared vision for enhanced connectivity, tourism, and economic growth ensures that the skies over India and New Zealand are brighter than ever.