Two Star Alliance partners, Air India and Air New Zealand, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen flight connectivity between India and New Zealand. The paperwork also mentions the establishment of a new codeshare between the two carriers and exploration of direct flights between the two countries.
Regarding the codeshare, the duo will join forces on 16 routes across India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Once established, travellers from India will be able to fly from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai aboard Air India, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore onto an Air New Zealand service to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, or Queenstown.
Additionally, the two carriers will also explore the possibility of introducing direct flights between India and New Zealand. Expected to reach a positive conclusion by the end of 2028, the outcome largely depends on the timely delivery of new aircraft and approvals from relevant government bodies.
Those presently travelling aboard Air New Zealand to India have convenient connections to catch with Singapore Airlines. The codeshare flights between Air India and New Zealand’s flag carrier will be available for booking gradually as they await regulatory approvals.
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