Get ready for easier travel between India and New Zealand! Air India and Air New Zealand have signed a landmark agreement, paving the way for a potential direct flight between Delhi and Auckland by 2028. This collaboration includes a codeshare agreement across 16 routes, offering seamless connections from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai via hubs such as Sydney and Singapore.
The direct flight promises to slash travel times significantly, currently ranging from 17 to 30 hours with connecting flights. This initiative aims to boost tourism, capitalizing on the growing interest from Indian travelers, with New Zealand already welcoming 87,000 Indian visitors in 2023.
Auckland Airport is also working with Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to facilitate the direct connection. Travel between the two countries has surged by 78% since 2015. Furthermore, Air New Zealand is partnering with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to enhance its digital infrastructure using AI, promising improved customer experiences and operational efficiency. This partnership underscores the deepening ties between India and New Zealand, promising a future of enhanced travel and connectivity.