Air India and Thai Airways International (THAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation and explore a codeshare partnership aimed at expanding travel options between India, Thailand, and destinations beyond, Air India said on Monday.

The agreement was signed on June 7 on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, building on an existing interline arrangement between the two Star Alliance member carriers.

Under the proposed partnership, subject to regulatory approvals, Air India and THAI plan to launch a codeshare agreement later in 2026 that would allow each airline to place its flight code on selected services operated by the other carrier.

The airlines said the arrangement would initially cover routes between India and Thailand and could be extended to selected international destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America, offering passengers greater connectivity through their combined networks.

Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said the agreement reflects the growing importance of cooperation among Asian airlines as regional economies and travel demand continue to expand.

“India and Thailand are connected by longstanding cultural ties, growing economic engagement, and strong flows of tourism and business travel,” Wilson said in a statement. He added that the partnership would provide customers with more travel choices while supporting Air India’s broader objective of strengthening India's links with international markets.

THAI Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri described the agreement as an important step in enhancing regional connectivity.

“The MoU with Air India marks a meaningful milestone in our strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and better serve passengers traveling between Thailand, India and destinations beyond,” Eamsiri said. He added that the partnership reflects the airlines’ shared commitment to promoting economic growth and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Codeshare agreements enable airlines to market and sell seats on flights operated by partner carriers, often allowing passengers to travel across wider networks under a single booking and with streamlined baggage and connection arrangements.

For travellers, the planned partnership could result in additional flight options, improved connections, and easier access to destinations served by either airline. The move may also strengthen competition on routes linking South Asia and Southeast Asia, two regions that have experienced strong growth in tourism and business travel.

The announcement comes as Air India continues its fleet renewal and international expansion strategy under the Tata Group, while Thai Airways seeks to strengthen its network and position in the post-pandemic aviation market.

The airlines said they would announce further details of the proposed codeshare agreement, including routes and implementation timelines, after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

Source: Air India PR