CHRISTCHURCH- Air New Zealand (NZ) is actively exploring the possibility of launching direct flights between New Zealand and India, a move that could significantly strengthen aviation links between the two countries.
The development comes as trade relations continue to expand following the recently signed free trade agreement between New Zealand and India.
Air New Zealand (NZ) Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar said the carrier is assessing the feasibility of nonstop services to major Indian cities.
The airline is working alongside Air India (AI) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) as it evaluates future opportunities for direct air connectivity between Auckland Airport (AKL) and destinations across India.
Direct India Flights Move Closer
The prospect of direct flights has gained momentum following stronger economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Ravishankar noted that the free trade agreement has created new opportunities to improve passenger connectivity while supporting business and tourism growth.
India represents one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Demand for travel between the two countries continues to increase, driven by family connections, tourism, education, and business activity.
The Indian community has become the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, creating a substantial base of travelers who regularly fly between the two countries. Direct services could significantly reduce travel times and eliminate the need for connections through intermediate hubs.
Air New Zealand currently serves India through partnerships that allow passengers to connect via Singapore and Australia. A nonstop service would mark a major milestone in the airline’s international network expansion strategy.
Air India Partnership Expands Travel Options
A key element supporting the potential launch is Air New Zealand’s growing relationship with Air India. The two carriers signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2025 that expanded cooperation across multiple international routes.
Under the agreement, travelers from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), and Chennai (MAA) can access destinations in New Zealand through connecting services.
The partnership links passengers to Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC), Wellington (WLG), and Queenstown (ZQN) via Singapore, Sydney, and Melbourne.
The airlines also established a codeshare arrangement that allows customers to book journeys on a single ticket while benefiting from coordinated travel options. This cooperation provides valuable market data that could help determine the viability of future nonstop operations.
Industry observers view the partnership as an important step toward establishing a direct air corridor between India and New Zealand. Such a route would support tourism growth while strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Future Growth Plans for Connectivity
Air New Zealand operates a fleet of approximately 115 aircraft, including Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 widebody jets capable of serving long-haul international markets. These aircraft could play a central role if the airline decides to proceed with nonstop India flights.
Beyond aviation partnerships, the carrier has expanded collaboration with Indian technology firms, including Tata Consultancy Services and IBS Software. These relationships highlight the growing strategic connections between New Zealand and India across multiple sectors.
Ravishankar described the free trade agreement as a catalyst for deeper engagement between the two nations. Shared interests, growing business activity, and increasing passenger demand continue to create favorable conditions for stronger aviation links.
While no final decision has been announced, Air New Zealand and Air India are targeting the possibility of launching direct services by late 2028, NewsBytes reported.
If approved, the route would become one of the most significant additions to air connectivity between South Asia and the South Pacific in recent years.
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