Passengers hoping for a direct flight between New Zealand and India will have to wait a few more years as Air India and Air New Zealand on Wednesday confirmed a non-stop route is still some years away.
The announcement came as the two carriers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai on Wednesday to make travel between the two countries more efficient.
They said they will explore launching a direct flight between India and New Zealand by 2028, pending aircraft deliveries and regulatory approvals, adding that “both airlines remain committed to exploring a direct service in the future”.
The officials say the main roadblock is shortage of new aircraft supply.
The announcement will pour cold water on the hopes of thousands of Kiwi Indians who were wishing a direct flight might be announced while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is in India this week.
The good news is both the carriers and the New Zealand government say they mean business. “What we're seeing this week is a high degree of intention from anyone that I've spoken to to ensure that we get on and do this,” said Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran.
He added the initial plan would be to start the direct flight between Delhi and Auckland, both key transit airports for travellers.
He added that once the frequency from Delhi buils up to five to six a week, it could make sense to start from Mumbai. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon later told journalists his government would do everything possible to expedite any legal and bureaucratic challenges that needed overcoming.
The airlines, both members of Star Alliance, did sign a codeshare agreement on 16 routes connecting India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand; which they say will offer “travellers more choices and convenient access between the two countries”.
The codeshare flights will be gradually rolled out for bookings, subject to regulatory approvals. As part of the deal, passengers will be able to fly from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai on Air India; connecting via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore to Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said the move aligns with the airline’s long-term strategy to tap into India’s rapidly expanding travel sector.
“India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand, and this codeshare agreement is an important first step. We are excited about the opportunity to enhance connectivity while we explore what a direct service could look like,” he said.
Air India’s Managing Director & CEO Campbell Wilson echoed the sentiment, saying the airline’s global expansion strategy includes strengthening partnerships with Star Alliance members.
“This agreement will not only improve connectivity but also help develop traffic between India and New Zealand. In time, we aim to introduce a viable non-stop service,” he said.
Demand for travel between the two countries has grown by 78 per cent since 2015. Nearly 351,000 people travelled between India and New Zealand in 2024.
A third of those trips included travel between Delhi and Auckland alone. In 2024, 102,000 New Zealand residents visited India, and 83,000 Indian residents came to New Zealand.
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