Travel between India and Australasia is set to become more seamless, following the announcement of a new codeshare partnership between Air India and Virgin Australia. The agreement significantly enhances connectivity, allowing Air India passengers to access 16 destinations across Australia and New Zealand on a single ticket with baggage checked through to their final destination.
Under the unilateral codeshare agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on select Virgin Australia flights, offering greater convenience for travellers arriving from Delhi to Melbourne or Sydney. The partnership will allow passengers to continue their journey to Adelaide, Ballina/Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Queenstown (New Zealand), Sunshine Coast, and Sydney.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Partnership
Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia, highlighted the strategic benefits of the agreement. ““We are pleased to partner with Air India to make it easier for their customers to explore everything Australia has to offer. India is a growing tourism market for Australia, and this partnership will encourage travellers arriving on one of Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of our wonderful country thanks to seamless onward connections on the Virgin Australia network.”
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, emphasised the significance of Australia as a key market. “Australia is one of Air India’s most important international markets, so it is incredibly exciting for us to be partnering with Virgin Australia to expand our presence in the region. While the partnership provides greater ease and access for the large Indian diaspora across the continent, it also opens up a whole new range of destinations for holidaymakers—whether it’s soaking up the beaches of the Gold Coast, discovering Tasmania, or exploring the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.”
Flight Details and Launch Dates
Air India currently operates 14 non-stop flights per week between India and Australia, with daily services from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney. These routes are serviced by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering 18 flatbed seats in Business Class, 238 seats in Economy Class. Passengers connecting to Virgin Australia flights will experience the airline’s world-class Business and Economy cabins, known for their award-winning service. Code share bookings open on 11 February and code-share flights will commence on 18 February 2025.
