Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have launched the first phase of initiatives under a commercial cooperation agreement, giving passengers more booking options on routes between India and Singapore, the two carriers said in a joint release on Wednesday.

From Oct 15, customers will be able to book eligible flights operated by either airline through the other's website, mobile app and appointed travel agencies. The arrangement covers 126 weekly flights between Singapore and eight Indian cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

Under the current rules, an eligible Air India-operated codeshare flight booked through SIA must include an SIA-operated flight, and vice versa. That requirement will be removed, allowing passengers to buy standalone tickets on either carrier's flights through the partner's channels.

The framework agreement was signed in January 2026. In April, the airlines expanded the booking classes eligible for reciprocal mileage accrual and revised the earn rates across all cabin classes. Members of Air India's Maharaja Club and SIA's KrisFlyer programme can now earn miles on a wider range of eligible flights operated by either airline.

From the second quarter of 2027, members will receive further reciprocal benefits on eligible routes, in addition to their existing Star Alliance privileges. Maharaja Club Platinum and KrisFlyer PPS Club members will get priority check-in and boarding, alongside other top-tier members of the respective airlines. Maharaja Club Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Silver members will receive additional baggage allowances and priority boarding on eligible routes.

The airlines said they are also working on improved schedule connectivity to reduce layovers and waiting times, enhanced offerings for corporate customers, and other measures to streamline travel.

Nipun Agarwal, Air India's chief commercial officer, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to "putting customers at the centre of everything we do." He said the airline aims to bring greater consistency to the travel experience of passengers between the two countries, with more choice, convenience, and value, and described strategic partnerships as key to Air India's evolution into a world-class global airline.

Lee Lik Hsin, SIA's chief commercial officer, said demand for travel between Singapore and India remains strong. He described the first phase as an important step towards a more seamless experience for customers and enhanced benefits for frequent flyers and said further initiatives would follow.

Air India and SIA currently have a codeshare agreement covering 77 destinations across 27 countries and territories. Through their hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore, the two airlines connect passengers to Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and beyond.

Source: Joint PR