Direct flights between New Zealand and India are a step closer. Here's when they could start

Direct flights between New Zealand and India have moved a step closer after Air New Zealand and Air India signed a codeshare agreement. The Star Alliance partners have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost air connectivity between the two countries. It will mean passengers will now be able to travel from the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on Air India, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore onto Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. The airlines also revealed they are aiming for direct flights in late 2028. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is currently in India hoping to sign a free trade deal there. Air New Zealand CE Greg Foran, who announced he is leaving the airline later in the year, called the signing of the MoU an “important first step”. “India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand, and we are excited about the opportunity to enhance connectivity for travellers between our two countries,” said Foran. “We are committed to working collaboratively to grow the travel market over the coming years, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful direct service by 2028.” Tourism New Zealand is hoping to tap into the vast Indian market, and its research shows a massive 18m people in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are actively considering travelling to New Zealand. More than 80,000 international travellers arrived from India last year, 23% more than in 2019.<br/>