India, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Iceland, Mauritius, South Africa, Madagascar: New Air India Partnerships Boost Tourism Connectivity Across Asia, Europe, and Africa

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

In a significant move to broaden its global footprint, Air India has forged new interline agreements with four leading airlines—airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways—strengthening its connectivity across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. Complementing these are strategic codeshare partnerships with Icelandair and Air Mauritius, enhancing travel routes between India and destinations in Iceland, Southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean region.

These agreements mark a decisive step in Air India’s ambitious expansion plans, enabling travelers to book single-ticket itineraries, enjoy streamlined baggage handling, and experience seamless connections across an expanded network of destinations. This initiative not only benefits outbound Indian travelers but also opens easier inbound access from emerging and secondary cities in Europe and Asia to more than 30 Indian cities.

Backed by Tata Group’s leadership and a vision to position India as a major global aviation hub, Air India’s strategic partnerships leverage key gateway airports like Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), and Tashkent (TAS) to create new travel corridors.

Why These Partnerships Matter: Key Benefits for Travelers and IndustrySingle-ticket convenience: Book flights across partner airlines under one reservation, simplifying the travel process.Unified baggage policies: Check bags through to final destinations, reducing transfer hassles.Smooth connections: Minimized layover times and coordinated schedules enhance passenger experience.Expanded network: Access to new secondary and emerging cities beyond primary hubs.Enhanced tourism and trade: Facilitates stronger economic and cultural ties between India, Europe, and Africa.Deep Dive: Air India’s New Interline Partners

1. airBaltic (BT)
Connecting Indian travelers to the Baltic region, airBaltic provides routes to Riga (RIX), Tallinn (TLL), and Vilnius (VNO). These connections operate through major hubs like Frankfurt (FRA), London Gatwick (LGW), and Dubai (DXB), offering access to vibrant Baltic capitals that are often overlooked but rich in culture and business opportunities.

2. Bulgaria Air (FB)
Bulgaria Air enhances access to Sofia (SOF), a gateway to Eastern Europe, via connections from London Heathrow (LHR), Milan (MXP), and Tel Aviv (TLV). Travelers can also reach Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast cities like Varna and Burgas, perfect for both business and leisure.

3. Cyprus Airways (CY)
This partnership opens routes to Larnaca (LCA), Cyprus’s economic and cultural hub, through Paris (CDG), Milan (MXP), and Dubai (DXB). Cyprus Airways serves as a strategic bridge between India and the Eastern Mediterranean.

4. Uzbekistan Airways (HY)
Uzbekistan Airways links India’s major airports—Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Goa-Mopa (GOX)—with Tashkent (TAS), while also providing domestic connections to culturally significant cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. This strengthens ties with Central Asia’s historical heartland.

These interline agreements expand Air India’s footprint beyond conventional markets and open doors to emerging cities that are gaining economic and tourism prominence.

Codeshare Partnerships: Extending the Reach

Icelandair (FI):
The codeshare with Icelandair offers travelers access to Reykjavik (KEF) via key European hubs including Frankfurt (FRA), Copenhagen (CPH), and London (LHR, LGW). This collaboration enhances travel options between India and Northern Europe, promoting tourism and business ties in Iceland and beyond.

Air India codes on Icelandair-operated flights connecting major European cities to Reykjavik.Icelandair codes on Air India-operated flights linking Delhi and Mumbai to Europe.

Air Mauritius (MK):
Air India has expanded its codeshare with Air Mauritius to improve access to Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region. This includes flights to Cape Town (CPT), Johannesburg (JNB), and Antananarivo (TNR) via Mauritius (MRU).

Air India codes on Air Mauritius flights to Southern African destinations.Air Mauritius codes on Air India’s domestic routes in India (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai).

This extended partnership is crucial for bolstering tourism and trade between India and Southern Africa, offering passengers convenient, single-ticket travel options across continents.

Expert Insights on Air India’s Network Expansion

This expansion aligns with global aviation trends emphasizing interline and codeshare partnerships as essential tools to compete internationally. According to industry analyst data, partnerships like these reduce operational costs, increase network efficiency, and enhance passenger satisfaction.

Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer emphasized that these agreements “significantly enhance the airline’s global reach, connecting India to some of the most dynamic emerging markets.” Meanwhile, CEO Campbell Wilson highlighted the strategic importance of Southern Africa for India, citing growing tourism and trade ties facilitated by the Air Mauritius partnership.

What This Means for TravelersMore destination choices: Whether for business or leisure, travelers gain access to lesser-known yet exciting cities across Europe and Asia.Simplified booking and travel: Single-ticket bookings mean less hassle, fewer delays, and smoother transfers.Boosted tourism opportunities: Increased connectivity encourages travel in both directions, supporting local economies and cultural exchanges.Better baggage handling: Seamless baggage policies reduce stress and lost luggage incidents.Future Outlook: Air India’s Growth Trajectory

These agreements are part of Air India’s broader strategy to revitalize its international network following Tata Group’s acquisition. The airline is simultaneously modernizing its fleet and expanding domestic routes to complement its growing global presence. Industry experts forecast that such partnerships will pave the way for further collaborations, potentially including alliance memberships, to elevate Air India’s position in global aviation.

Summary: Key TakeawaysAir India has formed interline agreements with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways to extend connectivity across Europe and Central Asia.Codeshare deals with Icelandair and Air Mauritius enhance travel options between India and destinations in Northern Europe and Southern Africa.These partnerships enable single-ticket booking, unified baggage handling, and seamless connections.Travelers benefit from expanded route options to secondary cities, boosting tourism and business opportunities.The strategy reinforces India’s growing role as a global aviation hub, supporting inbound and outbound travel.

For frequent flyers, travel planners, and tourism professionals, Air India’s latest moves represent a welcome evolution in international connectivity, bringing new horizons closer and travel experiences smoother.

Stay updated on aviation news and explore these exciting routes for your next trip—whether to the historic cities of Central Asia, the cultural gems of the Baltic, or the scenic landscapes of Southern Africa.