Air India and Saudia Forge Codeshare Partnership to Strengthen Travel Links
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, and Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, have officially signed a codeshare agreement. This new partnership is set to launch in February and promises a host of benefits for passengers flying with both airlines.
According to a statement from Air India, travelers will enjoy several key advantages. These include streamlined booking and ticketing processes, smooth connections using a single itinerary, and convenient baggage check-through to their final destinations.
Enhanced Connectivity and Travel Experience
The primary goal of this agreement is to boost connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. It aims to enhance the overall travel experience, strengthen network access, maximize flight options, and support growing demand across various segments such as tourism and business travel.
Passengers flying with Air India to Jeddah or Riyadh will now have easy connections to Saudia-operated flights. These connections will cover domestic Saudi destinations like Dammam, Abha, Gassim, Gizan, Madinah, and Taif.
Additionally, the introduction of codeshare flights on the Jeddah-Riyadh route will offer guests more flexibility. Travelers can arrive in one city and depart from a different one, making their journeys more convenient.
Expanded Destination Access
For Saudia passengers, this partnership opens up access to major cities across India. Key destinations include Mumbai and Delhi, along with Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, and Jaipur. Through interline services, passengers can reach over 15 other Indian destinations as well.
Later this year, the airlines plan to introduce additional connections to select international destinations, further expanding travel options.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, commented on the deal. He stated, "Saudi Arabia is among our most important markets in the Middle East. The country is fast transforming into a major international gateway to the region. We are happy to partner with Saudia to provide greater access to the large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. This partnership also opens up the Kingdom's rapidly evolving tourism offerings and remarkable destinations to holidaymakers from India."
H E Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, also shared his views. He said, "The codeshare agreement with Air India marks a strategic step forward. Both airlines have long histories and a shared commitment to increasing connectivity within their home markets and between their countries. This agreement offers guests broader access to more destinations through simplified travel procedures that elevate the overall travel experience."
He further added, "Saudia's presence in India spans over 60 years. During this time, we have proudly served a wide range of guests and helped foster stronger ties between our two nations. Saudi Arabia is a great place to visit. With seamless e-visas, stopover visas, and visa-on-arrival for eligible Indian passport holders, it has never been easier to visit the Kingdom."
Air India's Broader Codeshare Network
Air India currently maintains 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements with airlines worldwide. These collaborations aim to offer travelers access to over 800 destinations across the globe, highlighting the airline's commitment to expanding global connectivity.
