New partnerships aim to boost airline’s global reach across North America, Europe, and Africa
Air India is poised to sign more than 10 additional codeshare agreements in the current financial year, significantly expanding its international network, particularly across North America, Europe, and Africa, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
These new codeshare deals are part of Air India’s broader push to grow its international footprint and enhance connectivity to key global markets.
Since the Tata Group took over the airline nearly two years ago, Air India has already signed 19 codeshare agreements—up from none earlier. In comparison, market leader IndiGo holds about 10 such agreements. Existing codeshare partners include Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada, collectively offering connectivity to over 80 destinations. The airline also boasts interline arrangements with 109 airlines, granting access to more than 800 global locations.
An official from the airline revealed that Air India is targeting 25% annual growth in its international operations over the next three years. FY25 already shows signs of that trajectory, as more collaborative agreements take shape.
“These partnerships are a critical part of our international strategy,” said an Air India official. “They allow us to offer wider connectivity in markets where we don’t yet have a direct presence. They also help drive feeder traffic to our long-haul flights and improve aircraft utilisation.”
The codeshare strategy is already paying off—facilitating travel for over 25,000 passengers weekly and tripling booking income.
Air India’s global expansion model uses a dual-pronged approach: entering secondary urban hubs in strategic regions while tapping into new markets via airline collaborations. This flexible strategy helps Air India stay competitive against Middle Eastern and European giants by enhancing visibility in global reservation systems.
As per DGCA data, Indian carriers handled 48.5% of international passenger traffic to and from India in 2024. Within this, Tata Group airlines—Air India, Air India Express, and the recently integrated Vistara—held a 26.1% share.
The upcoming codeshare pacts are expected to further reinforce Air India’s resurgence as a global carrier and cement its role in reshaping India’s aviation landscape.