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Air India, Singapore Airlines Boost Partnership: More Flights, Easier Bookings from Oct 15

· · 3 min read

Air India and Singapore Airlines are expanding their commercial partnership from October 15, 2026, offering 126 weekly flights between Singapore and eight Indian cities. Travelers will benefit from easier standalone bookings and enhanced frequent flyer programs.

Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) are set to significantly deepen their commercial cooperation starting October 15, 2026. This initial phase of their Commercial Cooperation Framework Agreement, signed in January 2026, aims to provide travelers with a wider array of flight options and a more streamlined booking experience between India and Singapore.

Expanded Flight Options and Simplified Booking

The partnership will encompass 126 weekly flights connecting Singapore with eight major Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. A key change from October 15 is the removal of a long-standing codeshare requirement. Previously, booking an eligible Air India-operated codeshare flight through SIA's channels necessitated including an SIA-operated segment, and vice versa.

This restriction will be lifted, allowing customers to book eligible flights operated by either airline on a standalone basis through the other carrier’s website, mobile app, or appointed travel agencies. Both airlines anticipate this will offer greater flexibility and a more seamless booking process for passengers.

Enhanced Frequent Flyer Benefits

The collaboration also brings expanded benefits for frequent flyer members. In April 2026, Air India's Maharaja Club and SIA's KrisFlyer members saw an expansion in reciprocal mileage accrual, with a wider range of eligible booking classes and revised earn rates across all cabin classes.

Further enhancements are slated for the second quarter of 2027. Maharaja Club Platinum and KrisFlyer PPS Club members will gain priority check-in and boarding privileges, aligning with top-tier benefits across both airlines. Similarly, Maharaja Club Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Silver members will receive additional baggage allowances and priority boarding on eligible routes, supplementing existing Star Alliance perks.

Future Initiatives and Strategic Vision

Both airlines are actively working on additional customer-focused initiatives. These include improving schedule connectivity to minimize layovers and waiting times, developing enhanced offerings for corporate clients, and implementing other measures to refine the overall travel experience.

Nipun Agarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, emphasized the critical role of strategic partnerships in Air India's transformation into a leading global airline. He stated that the cooperation with Singapore Airlines reflects a shared commitment to customer-centricity, promising “greater consistency” in travel between India and Singapore, alongside “greater choice, convenience and value.”

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer at Singapore Airlines, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership as a significant step towards delivering enhanced benefits and a more seamless experience for customers. He noted strong demand for travel between Singapore and India, expressing anticipation for future initiatives that will further expand options and strengthen connectivity.

Currently, Air India and SIA maintain a codeshare agreement covering 77 destinations across 27 countries and territories. Their combined hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore offer extensive access to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.

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