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Air India, Virgin Australia Launch Codeshare

DALLAS Air travel between India and Australia will become more convenient this week, as Air India (AI) and Virgin Australia (VA) have entered into a codeshare agreement to enhance travel options between the two countries. 

The partnership allows passengers flying from Delhi (DEL) to Melbourne (MEL) or Sydney (SYD) to travel to their final destination on a single ticket. 

Travelers can fly to 16 cities across Australia and New Zealand, including Adelaide (ADL), Brisbane (BNE), Cairns (CNS), Canberra (CBR), and Queenstown (ZQN).

Air India operates 14 weekly flights to Australia, offering nonstop daily services from Delhi to Melbourne and Sydney aboard Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which feature Business and Economy Class cabins. 

The codeshare flights will be available for booking starting February 11, 2025, and the first flights will operate on February 18, 2025.

Airline Comment

“We are pleased to partner with Air India to make it easier for their customers to explore everything Australia has to offer,” said Alistair Hartley, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Virgin Australia. 

“India is a growing tourism market for Australia, and this partnership will encourage travelers arriving on one of Air India’s 14 weekly flights to explore more of our wonderful country thanks to seamless onward connections on the Virgin Australia network.” 

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, added, “Australia is one of Air India’s most important international markets, so it is incredibly exciting for us to be partnering with Virgin Australia to expand our presence in the region. This partnership provides greater ease and access for the large Indian diaspora spread across the continent, and it also opens up new destinations for holidaymakers.”

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