In a heartfelt farewell, Vistara's ground staff and crew members gathered to send off the final Vistara flight at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Odisha on Monday. This marked the end of an era for India’s youngest full-service airline as it completed its merger with Air India, inaugurating a new chapter in Indian aviation.
The last flight under the Vistara banner departed for Delhi, with staff and passengers commemorating the airline's journey since its inception in 2015. Later that evening, the newly combined Air India-Vistara airline officially took to the skies for its first international flight, operating under the Air India code "AI2286" from Doha to Mumbai. Scheduled to arrive in Mumbai early Tuesday morning, the flight departed at 10:07 p.m. local time.
Vistara’s official Instagram account encapsulated the sentiment of this momentous transition: “As the plane ascends, so do our dreams; let’s glide toward the future, where the sky isn’t the limit, but just the beginning.” With the merger, Vistara now joins Air India under the Tata Group, consolidating the brand as India's singular full-service carrier.
With this merger, Singapore Airlines, previously a 49% stakeholder in Vistara, now holds a 25.1% stake in Air India. This shift results from an approved foreign direct investment agreement, integrating both carriers' operational capabilities, resources, and assets under the Air India brand. Although Vistara will formally cease operations, we expect its existing aircraft, routes, and crew to continue as they are until at least March 2025, ensuring a seamless transition for passengers.
Air India has implemented additional support measures at airports and touchpoints to ensure smooth transitions for Vistara’s passengers. Air India has set up new kiosks and help desks, and will rebrand Vistara's ticketing and check-in terminals for its use. Vistara’s flights will now operate under a new four-digit Air India code beginning with “2.”
Airline officials and executives from both companies have emphasised that this merger aims to create an expanded, enhanced service network for customers, combining the strengths of both airlines. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, acknowledged the efforts of cross-functional teams who have been coordinating the transition, ensuring a seamless experience for both staff and customers.
This merger brings down the number of full-service carriers in India to just one, marking a significant shift from a high point when five full-service airlines operated domestically. The consolidation of Vistara into Air India symbolises the end of an era marked by joint ventures between Indian and foreign carriers, made possible by the liberalisation of foreign direct investment norms in 2012. This change had led to the creation of Vistara, AirAsia India, and other foreign-invested carriers in India.
Launched in 2015 as a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, Vistara quickly became a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the Indian aviation sector. The airline offered a premium experience that set it apart in a crowded and competitive market. Despite turbulence in India’s aviation landscape, Vistara grew steadily, cementing its reputation as a high-quality service provider.
Vistara remained resilient, navigating industry challenges while holding its position as India’s only new full-service airline in over a decade.
The combined operation of Vistara with Air India highlights Tata Group’s ambitious plans to rebuild and modernize Air India’s operations, aligning them with international standards. For Indian travelers, this merger signals a new beginning, with Air India aiming to deliver an elevated flying experience—one that combines the legacy of both carriers under a unified brand.
As Air India takes on the mantle of being India’s sole full-service carrier, it inherits Vistara’s legacy, brand values, and the loyalty of its customers. While Vistara bids farewell, its spirit will continue to soar through Air India, setting the stage for a new chapter in India’s aviation journey.
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