In a significant development for global air travel, Air India and Air New Zealand are in discussions to establish direct flights between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028. This move aims to enhance connectivity between the two nations, benefiting both business and tourism sectors while providing a seamless travel experience for passengers.
Current Challenges & Need for a Direct Route
At present, passengers traveling between India and New Zealand must rely on connecting flights through major transit hubs such as Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, or Australia. These layovers not only increase travel time but also add to passenger inconvenience. A direct flight would significantly reduce the total journey duration, making travel between the two countries more efficient and appealing.
With a growing Indian diaspora in New Zealand and increasing business and tourism ties, demand for direct flights has been steadily rising. The proposed route would cater to the needs of both leisure and corporate travelers, offering a faster and more convenient option for movement between the two nations.
Potential Benefits of Direct Flights
If implemented, the direct flight service will bring several advantages:
- Reduced Travel Time: A direct flight would cut down travel time from 17-20 hours (with layovers) to approximately 13-14 hours, making trips between the two nations much more convenient.
- Boost to Tourism: Both India and New Zealand are popular travel destinations. Indian travelers frequently visit New Zealand for its stunning landscapes and adventure tourism, while New Zealanders visit India for cultural exploration and business opportunities.
- Stronger Trade & Business Relations: New Zealand exports dairy products, timber, and wine to India, while India supplies pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services to New Zealand. Direct flights would facilitate faster trade exchanges and corporate interactions.
- Improved Connectivity: The launch of direct flights would strengthen New Zealand’s aviation links with South Asia, providing more flight options for travelers across the region.
Airline & Government Collaboration
Both Air India and Air New Zealand are working closely with aviation authorities and government agencies to assess route feasibility, aircraft availability, and regulatory approvals. Key challenges include ensuring profitability, securing landing slots, and evaluating demand projections over the next few years.
New Zealand’s Tourism Minister and Aviation Authorities have expressed interest in the initiative, highlighting the potential economic benefits. Likewise, the Indian aviation sector sees this as a strategic opportunity to expand its global reach.
Looking Ahead
While the timeline for the launch is set for 2028, both airlines will continue conducting feasibility studies and seeking regulatory clearances in the coming years. If successful, this will be a landmark development in aviation, enhancing travel efficiency, trade, and tourism between India and New Zealand.
