Starting September 3, Vistara Will Stop Accepting Bookings for Travel After November 11
Vistara is a partnership between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.
New Delhi: Vistara Airlines will officially retire its brand name on November 11, with its operations fully merging into Air India starting November 12. This marks the final step in a merger process that began nearly two years ago.
Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is set to integrate with Air India, which is also owned by Tata Group. This unification aims to streamline operations and enhance passenger experiences. As part of the merger, Singapore Airlines will secure a 25.1% stake in the newly consolidated Air India.
The transition, approved by the Indian government, includes Singapore Airlines’ foreign direct investment (FDI) in Air India.
From September 3, Vistara will cease booking flights for dates beyond November 11. All operations previously managed by Vistara will be taken over by Air India. Passengers booking flights for travel after the merger will be redirected to Air India’s booking system.
“Vistara will continue to operate flights and accept bookings as usual until November 11, 2024,” stated the airline. Starting the next day, all of Vistara’s aircraft and crew will be incorporated into Air India, and its routes will be integrated into Air India’s network.
Announced in November 2022, the merger aims to ensure a smooth transition for passengers and staff. Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, emphasized the effort to make the changeover as seamless as possible. “Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been collaborating extensively to facilitate a smooth transition for our aircraft, crew, and most importantly, our valued customers,” Mr. Wilson said.
For passengers with existing Vistara bookings beyond November 12, the transition will be handled automatically. Flight numbers will change to reflect Air India’s operations, though schedules, aircraft, and crew will remain largely unchanged until early 2025. To assist during this transition, the airlines have also prepared a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).