08 Feb 2025
#2 Feb 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India and Kenya Airways Announce Codeshare Partnership
Air India and Kenya Airways have officially launched a codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between India and Africa. As part of the partnership, Air India will place its 'AI' designator code on Kenya Airways’ twice-daily Nairobi-Mumbai flights, allowing seamless connections via Mumbai to multiple destinations, including Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Malé, Melbourne, and Singapore. The two airlines plan to expand the codeshare further in the coming months, offering more integrated travel options. Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, emphasised that this agreement aligns with Air India’s broader global expansion strategy and will significantly benefit passengers while boosting air travel between the two regions.
2. Air India Express Introduces Daily Service Between Mangaluru and New Delhi
In a move to enhance regional air connectivity, Air India Express has launched a daily direct flight between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Delhi International Airport. This new service aims to meet the rising demand from both business and leisure travellers commuting between Karnataka and India’s capital. Mangaluru, known for its growing commercial importance and tourism potential, will now benefit from improved accessibility, aligning with the airline’s goal of strengthening domestic connectivity.
3. IndiGo Expands Operations to Meet Maha Kumbh 2025 Demand
IndiGo has significantly increased flight capacity to and from Prayagraj Airport to cater to the surge in air travel demand during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Originally, IndiGo had planned a substantial capacity increase, but given the unprecedented demand, additional flights have been introduced. IndiGo will now operate more than 165,000 seats to and from Prayagraj, more than twice its usual capacity at the airport. The airline has also expanded its route network, adding Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Jaipur to its Prayagraj services, alongside existing routes from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar. To accommodate the demand, larger A321 aircraft are being deployed on these routes, ensuring enhanced passenger convenience.
Acumen’s Take
On Air India and Kenya Airways’ Codeshare Agreement
This partnership represents a significant step toward enhanced global connectivity, particularly between India and Africa, two rapidly growing aviation markets. Codeshare agreements like this reduce layover times, expand travel options for passengers, and enhance airline efficiency. As Air India continues to expand its global reach, such collaborations will play a vital role in strengthening its international network.
On Air India Express' Expansion in Karnataka
The launch of a daily Mangaluru-Delhi service is a welcome addition to India’s domestic aviation sector. Direct flights reduce travel time and increase accessibility for passengers, benefiting both corporate and leisure travellers. This move also aligns with India’s broader aviation growth strategy, focusing on regional connectivity and improved infrastructure.
On IndiGo’s Increased Capacity for Maha Kumbh 2025
IndiGo’s rapid response to passenger demand during Maha Kumbh 2025 highlights the importance of flexible airline operations. The ability to scale operations efficiently demonstrates IndiGo’s market leadership in domestic aviation. Deploying larger aircraft and adding new routes reflects IndiGo’s commitment to providing accessible air travel solutions during high-demand periods.
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