Tourism Opportunities Between India and New Zealand to Boost Employment – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

Natural and Cultural Heritage to be Enriched
Code-Share Partnership Between Air New Zealand and Air India
Direct Flights Between India and New Zealand to Begin in 2028

Mumbai : New Zealand’s economy is significantly dependent on tourism, and efforts are underway to strengthen bilateral relations between India and New Zealand to boost tourism. Tourism not only generates employment but also enriches natural and cultural heritage while elevating a country’s global image. Expanding tourism opportunities in New Zealand aims to showcase its culture on an international platform, stated New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

A tourism-focused event was organized at Hotel Taj in the presence of Prime Minister Luxon and his high-level delegation.

Air New Zealand and Air India, both members of Star Alliance, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance air connectivity between India and New Zealand. The agreement was formalized at Hotel Taj in the presence of Prime Minister Luxon. As a result, direct flights between India and New Zealand are set to commence in 2028.

Prime Minister Luxon emphasized that various measures are being taken to boost tourism in New Zealand, as it plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. The newly established code-share partnership will enable services on 16 routes, offering greater travel options and convenience between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Passengers will now be able to fly with Air India from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, connect via Sydney, Melbourne, or Singapore on Air New Zealand, and reach destinations like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown.

Prime Minister Luxon further stated that Air New Zealand and Air India will study the feasibility of launching direct flights between India and New Zealand by 2028, subject to aircraft availability and necessary regulatory approvals.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran highlighted that the code-share agreement is just the first step, and efforts are underway to explore the possibility of direct flights in the future. He added that this initiative will strengthen ties between both nations in tourism, trade, and education.

Air India’s Managing Director and CEO Campbell Wilson remarked, “Air India is expanding its global network, and our new partnership with Air New Zealand will make travel between India and New Zealand more seamless. Additionally, this will help increase passenger demand, facilitating the launch of direct flights in the future.”

According to New Zealand’s tourism department, over 80,000 Indian tourists visited New Zealand in 2024, marking a 23% increase from 2019. Indian travelers typically visit during the off-peak season, which presents a significant opportunity for New Zealand’s tourism industry. A cultural program was also organized during the event.