Flying between India and Europe could soon get a lot easier. Air India and the Lufthansa Group have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In simple terms, they want to work much more closely together on flights between India and Europe.

This is not just another codeshare update. It lays the groundwork for a full joint business agreement, pending regulatory approval.

Which Airlines Are Involved?

This partnership covers several airlines under the Lufthansa Group umbrella, including:

• Lufthansa
• SWISS International Air Lines
• Austrian Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• ITA Airways

On the Indian side, this also includes Air India’s low-cost arm, Air India Express.

All of them are members of the Star Alliance, so they already cooperate. But this new plan goes much further.

What This Means for Travellers

Here’s the practical part. If the deal moves ahead, the airlines plan to:

• Coordinate flight schedules between India and key European hubs
• Improve connections on a single ticket
• Work together on pricing, sales, and distribution
• Align frequent flyer benefits and customer services

For travellers, this could mean shorter layovers, smoother transfers, and more route options between Indian cities and major European destinations.

Right now, Air India already has codeshare arrangements on 145 routes linking 15 Indian cities with 29 European cities across 20 countries. Earlier in 2025, they expanded this cooperation even further.

This new agreement aims to build on that momentum.

Focus on Key European Markets

In the first phase, the partnership will focus on flights between India and five core European markets:

• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Italy
• Switzerland

Later, the scope could expand to more destinations across Europe and the Indian subcontinent.

The timing is not random. It comes after the conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to strengthen business and trade links.

Why This Matters Now

India and the European Union together account for nearly a quarter of global GDP. Trade between them is strong and growing. In 2024 alone, goods trade crossed €120 billion.

More business ties usually mean more travel. Not just corporate travel, but also student mobility, tourism, and family visits.

Airlines clearly see the opportunity.

Air India’s Global Push

Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has been rebuilding aggressively.

It now has 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements, giving passengers access to more than 800 destinations worldwide. The airline is also modernising its fleet and upgrading its onboard product.

A deeper partnership with Lufthansa Group strengthens its position in Europe, one of the most competitive and high-value long-haul markets.

Lufthansa Group’s India Strategy

For the Lufthansa Group, India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.

The group carried over 131 million passengers in 2024 and operates one of the largest airline networks in Europe. Strengthening ties with Air India gives it better access to India’s expanding outbound and business travel segment.

It also helps consolidate its position as a leading European airline group serving Indian travellers.

What Happens Next?

This is still an MoU. The full joint business agreement will need regulatory and antitrust approvals.

If cleared, expect closer coordination on routes, schedules, and customer experience. Over time, this could reshape how people travel between India and Europe.

For frequent flyers, business travellers, and anyone planning a Europe trip from India, this is worth watching.

More connectivity usually means more choice. And more choice often leads to better fares and better travel options.

The post Air India and Lufthansa Group Plan Major Expansion of India–Europe Flights appeared first on .