Air New Zealand Eyes Direct Flights to India

Air New Zealand is actively assessing the viability of direct flights between New Zealand and India, a move that could reshape long-haul connectivity for business and leisure travellers alike. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said the airline is studying the opportunity while continuing to strengthen its existing network through partner carriers.

The discussion comes at a strategic moment, following the recent Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand. For B2B travel professionals, this signals a potential shift in demand patterns, route planning, and corporate travel convenience across both markets.

Why This Route Matters for the B2B Travel Market

A non-stop India–New Zealand service would be a significant development for travel agents, consolidators, and corporate planners handling premium, student, VFR, and business traffic. Today, most itineraries rely on connections via Singapore or Australia, adding time and complexity.

Direct service could simplify fare construction, reduce misconnect risk, and improve the overall traveller experience.

Faster access for corporate travellers and high-value leisure passengers
Better opportunities for India–New Zealand trade and tourism traffic
Reduced dependency on complex one-stop itineraries via partner hubs
Stronger product positioning for agencies selling long-haul Pacific travel

Existing Partnerships Are Already Laying the Groundwork

Air New Zealand already works closely with Air India and Singapore Airlines, both through alliance cooperation and commercial partnerships. The airline currently has a codeshare with Air India, which allows passengers to book multi-sector journeys on a single ticket.

Earlier agreements between Air India and Air New Zealand also expanded connectivity on routes linking India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. This gives travel sellers more flexibility while the carriers evaluate whether a direct route is commercially viable.

For now, improved access via Singapore remains a practical option, especially for travellers from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

How the Free Trade Agreement Could Influence Travel Demand

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is important not only for trade, but also for mobility and business engagement. As commercial ties deepen, travel demand often follows through increased executive movement, conferences, supplier visits, academic travel, and diaspora visits.

Ravishankar highlighted the value of people-to-people connectivity, noting the large Indian diaspora in New Zealand and shared cultural links between the two countries.

What B2B Travel Sellers Should Watch Closely

If direct flights are approved, agencies will need to prepare for a new long-haul product category with different pricing, inventory, and schedule dynamics. For corporate travel teams, route reliability and total journey time will be key selling points.

Travel professionals should monitor:

Fleet and aircraft availability, especially wide-body capacity
Bilateral approvals and regulator clearances
Network timing that aligns with business travel demand
Competitive responses from partner airlines and Gulf carriers

A Wider Strategy for Air New Zealand

Under Ravishankar’s leadership, Air New Zealand is also focusing on technology, customer experience, and strategic partnerships. Before becoming CEO in October 2025, he served as Chief Digital Officer and helped strengthen the airline’s digital backbone and loyalty proposition.

The airline’s work with Indian firms such as Tata Consultancy Services and IBS Software also reflects its broader operational and digital ties to India. That matters for the B2B sector because airline strategy increasingly depends on technology, distribution, and customer retention as much as route rights.

What This Could Mean for Travel Agents and Corporate Buyers

If direct flights become a reality by the end of 2028, as previously explored under the Air India–Air New Zealand MoU, it could unlock a premium niche market between South Asia and the South Pacific. Until then, connection-led itineraries will remain the core product.

For agents, the opportunity lies in advising clients on the best mix of fares, transfer points, and alliance benefits while staying alert to network changes.

KEY TAKEAWAY

Air New Zealand’s evaluation of direct flights to India is more than a route update — it is a strategic signal for future demand, partnership growth, and improved India–New Zealand connectivity. B2B travel professionals should track approvals, capacity plans, and alliance developments closely to stay ahead of the market.

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