Government Approves Vistara & Air India Merger on November 12

Vistara is scheduled to merge with Air India on November 12, and Air India will then assume control of its operations. All bookings will be directed to Air India's website. From September 3 onwards, passengers can no longer book tickets with Vistara for travel on or after November 12. Vistara's CEO, Vinod Kannan, communicated these details in an email to the airline's employees.

The announcement came soon after Singapore International Airlines shared an update on the merger. In a press statement, they informed that the Indian government had given its approval for its FDI into Air India.

On June 6, the NCLT granted approval for the merger and allowed nine months for the dissolution of the former. Vistara's flying permit from the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) expires in December 2024. Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. will hold a 73.38% stake in the merged entity, and Singapore Airlines will hold 25.1%.

“This approval, along with other governmental and regulatory approvals received to date, signifies a major step towards completing the merger,” the SIA stated.

What do Vistara flight customers need to know about boarding their booked flights?

If you have a booking with Vistara for travel on or before November 11, 2024, your flight will still be operated by Vistara and there is no impact or change in your booking. From September 3, 2024, customers will gradually be unable to make bookings for travel after November 11, 2024. Specifically, from November 12, 2024, onwards, you will not be able to book with Vistara for travel after November 11, 2024. For travel after November 11, 2024, you can book through the Air India website www.airindia.com or via the Air India mobile app. If you have an existing booking with Vistara for travel after November 11, 2024, your flight will be operated by Air India instead. This information was provided by Vistara on its website as of August 30, 2024.