Air New Zealand and Air India have signed a new codeshare agreement to streamline travel between India and New Zealand, enhancing connectivity for passengers flying between the two countries and beyond.
The agreement, formalised in Mumbai in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon – a former Air New Zealand CEO – will see codeshare services on 16 routes spanning Australia, New Zealand, India and Singapore.
The carriers also committed to exploring a direct India-New Zealand service by 2028, subject to aircraft availability and regulatory approval.
With the new deal, travellers can now fly from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai with Air India and seamlessly connect in Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to Air New Zealand services to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.
Beyond simplifying booking and transfers, the partnership aims to strengthen trade, tourism and economic ties.
“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,” Air India Managing Director and CEO Campbell Wilson 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, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities.”
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran highlighted India’s growing potential as a destination, calling it a key future port.
“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 remarked.
“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.”
India has become a key tourism market for New Zealand, with over 80,000 Indian visitors arriving last year – 23% more than in 2019. Research by Tourism New Zealand shows strong interest from Indian travellers, with millions actively considering New Zealand as a destination.
“It’s fantastic to see Air New Zealand and Air India working on stronger international connectivity between the two countries,” Tourism New Zealand CEO Rene de Monchy said.
“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 new codeshare flights will progressively open for booking, pending regulatory approvals.
Air India unveils fresh look
In other news, Air India has reintroduced its first fully retrofitted A320neo, VT-EXN.
The aircraft is the first of 27 legacy narrowbody jets selected for a complete cabin overhaul, featuring new seats, carpets, curtains and an upgraded three-class configuration.
Part of Air India’s $400 million fleet modernisation program, the A320neo now aligns with the airline’s refreshed branding, including a new livery. The remaining 26 retrofitted aircraft will join 14 newly delivered A320neos to operate domestic and short-haul international routes.
The retrofits, set for completion by Q3 2025, will introduce over 4,300 new seats across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. Upgrades include wider seats, improved legroom, PED holders, USB ports, and refreshed cabin aesthetics.
The program also extends to Air India’s widebody fleet, with the first retrofitted B787 scheduled to roll out next month.
