Archive · 3 Aug 2026
India‑New Zealand FTA Paves Way for Direct Flights
A trade deal between India and New Zealand could let a big airline, Air New Zealand, fly directly between the two countries.
The airline’s boss, Nikhil Ravishankar, thinks this will bring more Indian tourists to places like Rotorua and Queenstown.
In 2024‑25, about 81,000 Indians visited New Zealand, and 8,000 came in April 2026 alone.
Air New Zealand is working with Air India and Singapore Airlines to get the needed permissions.
If the flights start, it could also help New Zealand companies send goods to India faster.
FTA between India and New Zealand could enable direct flights, boosting tourism and trade.
Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar sees significant growth potential and is exploring New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru as gateways.
Direct flights expected to increase Indian visitors, with 81,000 in 2024‑25 and 8,000 in April 2026.
Air New Zealand is partnering with Air India and Singapore Airlines to expand connectivity and regulatory approvals.
Tourism operators like ZORB Rotorua anticipate higher demand and plan to integrate Indian travelers into itineraries.
- Who
- Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar and tourism operators
- What
- Potential launch of direct flights between India and New Zealand under the FTA
- When
- 2024‑25 visitor data and 2026 April arrivals; future flight launch pending approvals
- Where
- New Zealand, India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru), and New Zealand destinations such as Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Christchurch
- Why
- To deepen trade, investment, tourism, and freight links between the two countries
- FTA
- India–New Zealand free trade agreement
- Direct flight potential
- Air New Zealand exploring New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru
- Indian visitors 2024‑25
- 81,000 to New Zealand
- April 2026 arrivals
- 8,000 Indians
- Airline partner
- Air India and Singapore Airlines