Air India and Virgin Australia Enter Codeshare Partnership

Air India and Virgin Australia Join Forces

Air India and Virgin Australia have introduced a new codeshare partnership that enhances connectivity and simplifies travel between India and Australia.

The codeshare agreement enables Air India to assign its ‘AI’ code to Virgin Australia’s flights. This expands options for Air India passengers travelling from Delhi to Melbourne or Sydney, providing seamless onward connections to 16 destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Travellers booking a single ticket will also enjoy checked baggage throughout their journey.

The 16 cities in Australia and New Zealand include Adelaide, Ballina/Byron Bay, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Queenstown (New Zealand)¹, Sunshine Coast, and Sydney.

“We are pleased to partner with Air India to make it easier for their customers to explore everything Australia has to offer. India is a growing tourism market for Australia and this partnership will encourage travellers arriving on one of Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of our wonderful country thanks to seamless onward connections on the Virgin Australia network,” said Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Virgin Australia.

“Australia is one of Air India’s most important international markets, so it is incredibly exciting for us to be partnering with Virgin Australia to expand our presence in the region. While the partnership provides greater ease and access for the large Indian diaspora spread across the continent, it also opens up a whole new range of destinations for holidaymakers wanting to soak up the beaches of Gold Coast, discover Tasmania, or to explore the natural wonders of The Great Barrier Reef,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Air India provides 14 weekly flights from India to Australia, including daily non-stop connections from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney. The airline operates these routes with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 flat beds in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class. Air India customers connecting to Virgin Australia flights within Australia and New Zealand can enjoy outstanding Business and Economy Class cabins, complemented by award-winning service. Codeshare bookings will commence on 11 February 2025, with the inaugural codeshare flights scheduled to begin on 18 February 2025.