Air India Expands Routes with New Nonstop Flights and Codeshare Partnership

What's Happening?

Air India is set to launch nonstop flights from New Delhi to Jaisalmer starting October 26, 2025, through March 28, 2026, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft. This expansion is part of a broader strategy that includes a new codeshare partnership with Air Astana. The partnership allows Air India to place its AI code on Air Astana-operated flights between Almaty and both New Delhi and Mumbai. This agreement builds on an earlier interline arrangement, enhancing connectivity for Air India passengers to Central Asia and China via Almaty. Air Astana CEO Peter Foster highlighted the potential for increased business, tourism, and student traffic, while Air India CEO Campbell Wilson emphasized Kazakhstan's growing tourism market.

Why It's Important?

The expansion of Air India's routes and the new codeshare agreement with Air Astana are significant for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances Air India's connectivity to Central Asia and China, potentially increasing passenger traffic and revenue. This move is likely to benefit the tourism and business sectors by facilitating easier travel between India and these regions. Additionally, the nonstop flights to Jaisalmer could boost local tourism and economic activity in the region. The partnership with Air Astana also reflects a strategic effort to tap into Kazakhstan's emerging market, which could lead to increased bilateral trade and tourism.

What's Next?

As the new routes and codeshare agreement take effect, Air India and Air Astana may see increased passenger volumes, prompting further expansion of services. The success of these initiatives could lead to additional partnerships or route expansions in the future. Stakeholders in the tourism and business sectors are likely to monitor the impact on travel flows and economic activity closely. The increased connectivity may also encourage other airlines to explore similar partnerships or route expansions in the region.