Explore 16 New Destinations! Air India & Virgin Australia Codeshare Takes Off!

Get ready to explore the wonders of both India and Australia with seamless connections! Air India and Virgin Australia have announced a groundbreaking codeshare partnership, set to take off on February 18, 2025.

This exciting development significantly enhances travel opportunities for passengers journeying between the two nations, opening doors to a wider range of destinations and a smoother travel experience.  

Enhanced Connectivity for Indian Travellers

This unilateral codeshare agreement allows Air India to place its ‘AI’ code on Virgin Australia-operated flights. This means greater convenience for Air India customers flying from Delhi to Melbourne or Sydney.

Imagine touching down in Australia and effortlessly connecting to 16 exciting destinations across Australia and New Zealand! This partnership simplifies travel planning and expands possibilities for exploring Down Under.  

Exploring Australia and New Zealand Made Easy

Dreaming of the Gold Coast’s beaches? Intrigued by Tasmania’s rugged beauty? Or perhaps the Great Barrier Reef is calling your name? This partnership makes those dreams a reality. Air India passengers can now seamlessly connect to a diverse range of destinations, including:

1. Adelaide
2. Ballina/Byron Bay  
3. Brisbane  
4. Cairns  
5. Canberra
6. Darwin  
7. Gold Coast  
8. Hamilton Island  
9. Hobart  
10. Launceston  
11. Melbourne
12. Newcastle  
13. Perth
14. Queenstown (New Zealand)  
15. Sunshine Coast  
16. Sydney

Seamless Travel Experience

One of the biggest perks? Checked baggage throughout the entire journey! Passengers travelling on a single ticket will enjoy the convenience of having their luggage checked through from their origin to their final destination, eliminating the hassle of rechecking bags during layovers.

Air India’s Growing Presence in Australia

Currently, Air India operates 14 weekly flights from India to Australia, with daily non-stop services from Delhi to Melbourne and Delhi to Sydney. The airline deploys its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on these routes, offering 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 238 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Passengers flying onward with Virgin Australia will experience world-class service in both Business and Economy Class cabins.

Booking and Travel Dates

Codeshare bookings open on February 11, 2025, with the first codeshare flights taking off on February 18, 2025. Start planning your dream trip today!  

• Codeshare bookings open: February 11, 2025.
• First codeshare flights commence: on February 18, 2025.

A Boost for Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia emphasized that the partnership will enhance tourism by making it easier for Indian travellers to explore Australia. He noted that seamless onward connections would encourage more visitors to discover the country’s attractions.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, highlighted Australia as a key market. He stated that the partnership not only benefits the Indian diaspora but also makes it easier for holidaymakers to visit popular destinations like the Gold Coast, Tasmania, and the Great Barrier Reef.

With this strategic partnership, Air India and Virgin Australia are set to redefine travel between India and Australia, offering travellers more convenience, comfort, and destination choices.