DELHI— Air India (AI) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) will expand their commercial partnership from October 15, 2026, giving customers more booking and flight options between India and Singapore.
The first phase of the agreement will cover 126 weekly flights linking Singapore with eight Indian cities, while expanded frequent-flyer and priority benefits will follow in 2027.
Air India and Singapore Airlines Expand Booking Options
The new initiatives form the first phase of the Commercial Cooperation Framework Agreement signed by Air India and Singapore Airlines in January 2026.
From October 15, customers will be able to book eligible flights operated by either airline independently through the other carrier’s website, mobile application, and appointed travel agencies.
Previously, an eligible Air India-operated codeshare flight booked through Singapore Airlines had to be combined with a Singapore Airlines-operated flight. The same requirement applied when customers booked eligible Singapore Airlines flights through Air India.
Removing this condition will allow eligible India-Singapore flights to be sold on a standalone basis through both airlines’ distribution channels.
The expanded arrangement covers 126 weekly flights between Singapore and eight Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
The change is designed to increase the number of itinerary choices available to customers while simplifying the booking process between the two countries.
Wider India-Singapore Flight Connectivity
The expanded commercial cooperation strengthens connectivity through the networks of both carriers.
Air India and Singapore Airlines already maintain a comprehensive codeshare agreement covering 77 destinations across 27 countries and territories.
Through their hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore, the airlines connect passengers to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and other international markets.
The broader partnership gives customers access to the combined network while allowing both carriers to improve the commercial reach of their existing services.
Enhanced Maharaja Club and KrisFlyer Benefits
The partnership also includes expanded frequent-flyer benefits for members of both airlines.
In April 2026, Air India and Singapore Airlines enhanced reciprocal mileage accrual by expanding eligible booking classes and revising earning rates across all cabin classes.
Members of Air India’s Maharaja Club and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program can now earn miles on a wider range of eligible flights operated by either carrier.
Further reciprocal benefits are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027 on eligible routes.
Maharaja Club Platinum and KrisFlyer PPS Club members will receive priority check-in and boarding privileges alongside other top-tier members of the respective airlines.
Maharaja Club Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Silver members will receive additional baggage allowances and priority boarding on eligible routes.
These measures are intended to provide a more consistent experience for frequent flyers travelling on either carrier.
Airlines Target Better Connections
Air India and Singapore Airlines are also developing additional initiatives focused on the overall travel experience.
The carriers are working on improved schedule connectivity designed to reduce layovers and waiting times for connecting passengers.
They are also evaluating enhanced offerings for corporate customers and additional measures to simplify the travel journey.
The initiatives reflect the broader objective of using the partnership to provide more choice and stronger connectivity rather than relying only on the existing codeshare network.
Executive Remarks
Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Agarwal, said strategic partnerships would be important to the airline’s transformation into a leading global carrier.
He said the next phase of cooperation with Singapore Airlines would focus on customers and use the strengths of both airlines to provide greater choice, convenience, consistency, and value.
Agarwal also highlighted growing travel demand between India and Singapore and said the partnership would help both airlines serve that market more effectively.
Singapore Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Lee Lik Hsin said the first phase represented an important step toward providing customers with greater benefits and a more seamless experience.
He highlighted strong demand between Singapore and India and said the partnership would provide greater choice and convenience while strengthening reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits.
Partnership Expands Beyond Codeshare
The Air India-Singapore Airlines relationship is developing beyond its existing codeshare arrangement.
The airlines already provide access to 77 destinations across 27 countries and territories through their respective hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore.
The new booking flexibility, expanded frequent-flyer benefits, priority services, and planned schedule improvements add further commercial depth to the partnership.
The next phase of initiatives will focus on improving connectivity and customer benefits as both airlines expand their cooperation across the India-Singapore market and their wider international networks.
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