Air India and airBaltic Forge Codeshare Partnership to Expand Europe-India Connectivity

Summary – Air India and airBaltic have signed a codeshare agreement, enhancing travel options between India and Europe with improved access to the Baltic region.,

Article –

The recent codeshare agreement signed in December 2025 between Air India and airBaltic marks a significant enhancement in connectivity between India and Europe, particularly the Baltic region. This collaboration is set to benefit travelers by offering more seamless routes and greater convenience when flying between South Asia and Northern Europe.

Key Parties Involved

• Air India: India’s national airline with extensive routes connecting India and Europe.
• airBaltic: The Latvian national carrier covering Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and other parts of Europe.

Details of the Codeshare Agreement

The agreement enables flights operated by airBaltic within Europe to carry Air India flight codes and vice versa for Air India’s routes connecting India to European hubs. This dual coding allows passengers to book single tickets across both airlines for multi-leg journeys, simplifying travel planning and transfers.

Expected Benefits and Consequences

1. Economic: Boost in tourism, trade, cultural exchanges, and business travel between India and the Baltic region.
2. Social: Greater access for Indian travelers to Northern European destinations that were previously less served.
3. Environmental: More efficient use of flights may reduce the number of additional takeoffs, helping to lower carbon emissions from air travel.

Reactions from Institutions and Authorities

• European Commission (DG MOVE): Viewed the agreement as aligned with EU strategies to enhance international air connectivity.
• Baltic Aviation Authorities: Highlighted Riga International Airport’s growing role as a hub for Europe-Asia travel and the expected economic benefits.
• Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation: Recognized the partnership as a critical step in expanding India’s global air access, especially in Europe.

Next Steps and Future Prospects

Both airlines plan to:

• Launch joint marketing campaigns to promote new travel routes.
• Coordinate operational aspects like baggage handling and scheduling to ensure smooth passenger transfers.
• Consider expanding the agreement to include more European destinations based on demand and regulatory approvals.

Continuous monitoring of market trends and passenger feedback will guide further improvements to this codeshare partnership.

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