Japan Airlines (JAL) will commence codeshare flights with India’s leading airline, IndiGo, starting in October, enhancing travel access to and from one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Announced on Sunday, this agreement marks JAL’s first new international partnership since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The codeshare will cover two international routes: Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Delhi and Narita Airport to Bengaluru. Domestic routes within India, part of IndiGo’s extensive network, will be selected subsequently. This partnership fills the gap left by JAL’s previous codeshare partner, Vistara, which is merging with Air India.
IndiGo, which began operations in 2006 as a budget airline, has grown to offer over 2,000 daily flights to more than 80 domestic and over 30 international destinations. It commanded a 60.5% share of the domestic passenger market last year, significantly ahead of its competitors.
IndiGo’s growth strategy includes a recent order for 500 new Airbus A320 aircraft and the introduction of business class service later this year. This expansion comes as India’s air travel market grows rapidly, with passenger numbers increasing by 20% last year to around 150 million, making it the third-largest air travel market globally.
According to the International Monetary Fund, India’s economy is projected to grow by 6.8% in 2024, outpacing both China and the U.S. By 2025, India is expected to surpass Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world.
The new codeshare agreement between JAL and IndiGo is poised to provide seamless travel options and bolster economic ties between Japan and India, reflecting the dynamic growth trajectories of both nations.
