Air India-Vistara Merger Complete: New Entity To Operate Over 5,600 Weekly Flights

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, said, “This completes the consolidation and restructuring phase of Air India Group’s post-privatisation transformation"

Air India announced on Tuesday the successful integration of full-service carrier Vistara into its operations, marking a significant milestone in the Indian aviation sector. With the merger now complete, the newly unified Air India entity is poised to operate over 5,600 weekly flights to more than 90 destinations.

The combined airline will serve 103 domestic and 71 international routes, further strengthening its position in the market.

As part of the merger, Singapore Airlines has acquired a 25.1 per cent stake in the expanded Air India. This follows the recent integration of Air India’s low-cost carriers, Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), which officially merged on October 1, 2024.

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India said, “This completes the consolidation and restructuring phase of Air India Group’s post-privatisation transformation.” He highlighted the careful planning and collaboration that ensured a smooth transition for both customers and assets.

The merger also signals the end of Vistara, the joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, which had been a prominent player in India's aviation market for nearly a decade. 

Vistara's final flight from Delhi to Singapore marked the conclusion of its independent operations.

The newly formed entity's first international flight, AI2286, flew from Doha to Mumbai, while its inaugural domestic flight, AI2984, connected Mumbai and Delhi.

To simplify operations, the code 'AI2XXX' is now being used for former Vistara flights operating under Air India, making it easier for passengers to identify these services during booking.

The merger of Air India and Vistara was first announced in November 2022, following Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in January 2022. Tata's consolidation strategy is reshaping the aviation landscape, with Air India, Vistara, and AIX Connect together commanding a 29 per cent share of the domestic market as of September.