Air New Zealand and Air India have become the latest airlines to enter into a codeshare agreement with the aim of exploring direct flights between India and New Zealand.
The two airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 19, 2025, which includes the establishment of a new codeshare partnership on 16 routes between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, giving travellers more choice and convenient access between the two countries.
More routes and greater travel opportunities await! ✈️🌏
Air India and Air New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost connectivity between the two nations, in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Christopher Luxon, Air New… pic.twitter.com/q7cy2IwYn6
— Air India (@airindia) March 20, 2025
The MoU was signed at an event in Mumbai, attended by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, and Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson.
Under the codeshare agreement, customers will now be able to travel from Delhi International Airport (DEL), Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) and Chennai International Airport (MAA) on Air India, and connect at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), Melbourne Airport (MEL) or Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) onto Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland Airport (AKL), Christchurch Airport (CHC), Wellington International Airport (WLG) and Queenstown Airport (ZQN).
Currently, Air New Zealand customers traveling between New Zealand and India have to connect via Singapore Changi Airport and continue their journey using Singapore Airlines. The prospect of a future direct route would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, and improve customer experience.
Air New Zealand said that the MoU will also see the two airlines explore the possibilities of a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to new aircraft deliveries and approvals from relevant government regulators.
According to a 2023 New Zealand census, the Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in the country, with 292,092 individuals identifying as being of Indian descent.
“”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,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said.
“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,” Foran added.
