Vistara to stop independent operations as it merges with Air India starting Nov 12

Passengers planning to fly with Vistara after Nov 12 will have to book through Air India as the two airlines are set to complete their merger.

Starting Sept 3, Vistara will no longer accept bookings for travel beyond the November deadline, as the airline transitions fully into Air India's operations.

The merger marks the end of Vistara's independent operations, a significant milestone in the consolidation of India's aviation sector under the Tata Group.

By Nov 12, all Vistara flights will be rebranded with Air India's "AI" flight code, replacing Vistara’s "UK" code. This transition also means that all Vistara-related bookings will be handled through Air India’s digital platforms.

This development follows the Indian government's approval of Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) foreign direct investment in Air India.

SIA, which previously held a 49% stake in Vistara, will now own a 25.1% share in the newly merged entity. This move is part of a larger strategy by the Tata Group, which acquired Air India in January 2022, to streamline its airline portfolio.

Singapore Airlines has emphasized that this merger, combined with other regulatory approvals, represents a significant step towards finalizing the integration of the two airlines.

The combined entity will boast a fleet of 285 aircraft, encompassing Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara. The collaboration is expected to enhance service offerings, network reach, and overall customer experience.

As part of the transition, Vistara customers who have already booked flights post-Nov 12 will have their reservations automatically transferred to Air India.

This process will be phased throughout September, with individual notifications sent to passengers regarding their updated flight details.

Mr Kannan, an executive from the airline, reassured customers that the merger is designed to provide a more expansive travel network and elevate the overall flying experience.

The decision to merge Vistara with Air India stems from Air India’s privatization and the Tata Group’s acquisition of the airline. Initially, Tata Group held stakes in several airlines, including AirAsia India and Vistara.

The group decided to consolidate its airline operations, resulting in the formation of two distinct brands: a full-service carrier under the Air India name and a low-cost carrier under Air India Express.

To facilitate this, Tata Group acquired the remaining 16.33% stake in AirAsia India, merging it with Air India Express.

The new low-cost airline now serves both domestic and international routes, while Air India, bolstered by the integration of Vistara, will operate as a full-service carrier.

As part of the deal, Singapore Airlines has been granted a 25.1% stake in this full-service entity, reflecting its continued commitment to the Indian aviation market.

The transition is expected to be seamless for passengers, with Vistara promising minimal disruption.

A recent press release from Vistara highlighted that ticket sales would cease on September 3, 2024, for any flights scheduled after November 11, 2024.

All flights beyond this date will be managed and operated by Air India. The press release also assured customers of a smooth transition and provided details for those needing assistance or wishing to opt out of data transfers to Air India.

This merger represents a new chapter in the Indian aviation industry, with Tata Group aiming to challenge market leader IndiGo by consolidating its operations under the Air India brand.

The move is anticipated to create a more competitive landscape, offering passengers enhanced service quality and broader connectivity across domestic and international routes.

For more information, passengers can contact Vistara's customer service or visit their website. As the airlines merge, travelers can expect a unified, stronger airline poised to redefine the flying experience in India and beyond.