In a significant move to enhance connectivity between India and Africa, Tata Group-owned Air India, and Kenya Airways have launched a codeshare partnership. This collaboration will offer passengers expanded travel options across both airlines’ networks, ensuring seamless connections to a broader range of destinations. The partnership is set to streamline travel and provide a more efficient experience for travellers.

In a press statement Air India says that this new partnership builds on an existing interline agreement and will offer passengers a streamlined travel experience across both airlines’ networks.

Nipun Aggarwal

It adds that under the codeshare agreement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on Kenya Airways’ twice-daily flights between Nairobi and Mumbai. This will connect passengers via Mumbai to Air India-operated flights to destinations like Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Malé, Melbourne and Singapore.

Air India says that, passengers from Nairobi will also have access to several other destinations within India and beyond through Delhi when flying on Air India’s Nairobi-Delhi route

It adds that Kenya Airways will also place its ‘KQ’ code on Air India’s flights between Delhi and Nairobi. This allows Kenya Airways passengers from across Africa to travel to Delhi via Nairobi, further extending the network.

The statement adds that the partnership allows for seamless travel with a single ticket and unified baggage policies, making connections easier for passengers.

Julius Thairu

It adds that the interline agreement between the two airlines also covers a broader range of destinations, with passengers able to travel on one itinerary between 28 African cities and 15 Indian cities.

The codeshare flights are now available for booking through both airlines’ channels and travel agents.

“Deepening our partnership with Kenya Airways aligns perfectly with Air India’s strategic vision of expanding our global footprint and strengthening our position in key markets. Our codeshare partnership will provide significant benefit to guests of both airlines, and also contribute to the overall growth of air travel between India and Africa,” says Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership Air India, that will open up significant opportunity for our passengers. This codeshare agreement allows us to offer seamless connections to a wider range of destinations across both airlines’ networks, making travel easier and more convenient,” says Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Kenya Airways.