Travelling between Australia and India just became significantly more convenient due to a new codeshare agreement between Air India and Virgin Australia. This partnership aims to promote tourism and facilitate visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel, ensuring smoother connections and enhancing the overall travel experience.

A Seamless Travel Experience

Under this agreement, Virgin Australia will use its VA code on flights operated by Air India, allowing easy connections from Melbourne and Sydney to Delhi and further destinations in India. Conversely, Air India’s AI code will be valid on Virgin Australia flights, enabling travel to 16 destinations across Australia and New Zealand, such as Brisbane, Perth, and Queenstown.

Convenience and Efficiency

A significant advantage of this codeshare is that passengers on a single ticket will check their bags through to their final destination, eliminating the need for re-checking during layovers, thus providing a hassle-free experience.

First Codeshare Flights Commence

These codeshare flights started on February 18, 2025, with Air India currently operating 14 direct weekly flights between Delhi and various Australian cities via its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features 18 flat-bed business class seats and 238 in economy.

A Growing Tourism Market

Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are pleased to partner with Air India to make it easier for their customers to explore everything Australia has to offer. India is a growing tourism market for Australia, and this partnership will encourage travelers arriving on Air India’s flights to explore more thanks to seamless connections on the Virgin Australia network”.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India, noted: “It is incredibly exciting for us to be partnering with Virgin Australia to expand our presence in the region, providing easier access for the Indian diaspora and travelers wanting to experience iconic destinations such as the Gold Coast and Tasmania.”

Looking Ahead

As this partnership unfolds, it promises to significantly enhance the travel experiences for passengers flying between Australia and India, with seamless connections, convenient baggage handling, and access to numerous destinations, marking an exciting chapter for both airlines.