Codeshare agreement opens easier travel now, while direct flights move closer to reality
For thousands of Indian families, students and business travellers in New Zealand, the dream of flying directly between India and New Zealand has taken its biggest step yet.
Air New Zealand and Air India have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and launched a new codeshare partnership that will immediately make travel between the two countries easier, while both airlines officially begin exploring the possibility of launching direct flights by the end of 2028.
The agreement was signed in Mumbai in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his official visit to India, highlighting the growing strategic relationship between the two nations.
Easier travel begins now
While direct flights are still several years away, the new partnership will improve travel almost immediately.
Under the agreement, passengers will be able to book a single itinerary combining Air India and Air New Zealand flights across 16 routes.
Travellers departing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai will connect through Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore before continuing on Air New Zealand services to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown.
Instead of managing separate bookings and multiple airline arrangements, passengers will have a more seamless travel experience with coordinated itineraries and baggage handling.
For many New Zealand residents with family in India, this represents a meaningful improvement.
Direct flights remain the long-term goal
Perhaps the biggest announcement is both airlines’ commitment to jointly explore launching non-stop flights between India and New Zealand before the end of 2028.
Such a service will depend on several important factors, including:
- Delivery of new long-range aircraft
- Commercial viability
- Regulatory approvals from both governments
- Passenger demand
Although no specific city pair has been announced, Auckland is widely expected to become the first destination if direct services eventually begin.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran described India as one of the airline’s most important future growth markets.
He said the codeshare agreement represents the first practical step while both airlines continue studying what a successful direct service would require.
Why India matters to New Zealand
India has become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing international markets.
According to Tourism New Zealand research:
- More than 18 million people across Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are actively considering a holiday in New Zealand.
- More than 80,000 Indian visitors travelled to New Zealand last year.
- That represents a 23 percent increase compared with pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Unlike many traditional tourism markets, Indian travellers also tend to visit during New Zealand’s quieter tourism months, helping hotels, attractions and tourism businesses maintain business throughout the year.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy said stronger aviation links are critical for growing visitor numbers from India.
He noted that improved connectivity would make New Zealand more accessible while also helping spread tourism beyond peak seasons.
Benefits beyond tourism
The significance of this agreement extends well beyond holidays.
New Zealand’s Indian community is now one of the country’s fastest-growing ethnic populations, with thousands travelling regularly for family visits, education and business.
A future direct air service could provide benefits including:
- Faster family reunions
- Increased student mobility
- Stronger trade opportunities
- Easier business travel
- Growth in conferences and investment
- Expanded freight and cargo connections
Business organisations have long argued that direct air connectivity would strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Air India’s transformation continues
The partnership also reflects Air India’s ongoing transformation since returning to Tata Group ownership in 2022.
The airline has ordered an unprecedented 570 new aircraft as part of a multi-year modernisation programme aimed at rebuilding Air India into a world-class global carrier.
Alongside fleet expansion, Air India has been rapidly increasing partnerships with Star Alliance airlines, including Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, ANA and now Air New Zealand.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said stronger partnerships help build passenger demand that could eventually support non-stop India-New Zealand flights.
What happens next?
The new codeshare services will become available progressively once regulatory approvals are completed.
Passengers can expect more route options and simplified bookings over coming months.
As for direct flights, the aviation industry will be watching closely.
Airlines typically require several years of planning before launching ultra-long-haul international routes. Aircraft availability, airport infrastructure, commercial demand and government approvals all play significant roles.
While 2028 remains an ambitious target, this agreement represents the clearest public commitment yet from both national airlines to make direct India-New Zealand flights a reality.
For travellers on both sides of the Indian Ocean, it is no longer just an idea. It is now an active project backed by two airlines, two governments and a growing relationship between India and New Zealand.
References
- Air New Zealand Media Release: Air New Zealand and Air India enter new codeshare partnership and MoU to explore direct flights between India and New Zealand.
- Tourism New Zealand
- Air India
