Air New Zealand evaluates direct India flights (ANI)

Air New Zealand is exploring the possibility of launching non-stop services to India as it looks to strengthen travel links between the two countries amid growing economic and cultural ties.Speaking on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual meeting, Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said the airline is actively studying the commercial feasibility of operating direct routes to Indian destinations.He noted that Air New Zealand already maintains a codeshare arrangement with Air India and is collaborating closely with both Air India and Singapore Airlines to expand travel options.FTA opens new opportunitiesThe Air New Zealand chief said the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand has created fresh opportunities for deeper engagement between the two nations, PTI reported.He pointed out that New Zealand is home to a large Indian-origin community, making enhanced connectivity increasingly important.Partnership with Air IndiaAir New Zealand, Air India and Singapore Airlines are members of the Star Alliance network and already cooperate on several routes.In March 2025, Air India and Air New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding cooperation and introducing a new codeshare partnership across 16 routes connecting India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.Under the arrangement, passengers travelling from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai can connect through Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore to Air New Zealand-operated services bound for Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.The agreement between the two airlines also includes plans to explore a non-stop India-New Zealand service by the end of 2028, subject to aircraft availability and regulatory approvals.