
On November 12, VISTARA will operationally merge into Air India, the main airline of the Tata group, ending the ten-year-old brand that established itself as the top full-service carrier in India based on the caliber of its offerings.
The Tata group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in 2022 set the wheels in motion for the merger.
Customers will gradually lose the ability to make reservations with Vistara for travel on or after November 12, 2024, beginning on September 3, 2024. Bookings for the routes flown by these aircraft will be sent to Air India’s website, and all Vistara aircraft will subsequently be operated by Air India. Through November 11, 2024, Vistara will accept reservations and conduct flights as usual, the airline stated in a statement on Friday.
Customers will receive regular information about the merger process via email, as well as through Vistara and Air India’s websites and social media accounts. Information on web check-in, lounge access, supplemental services, and any other potential touchpoints are all included in this. The committed personnel at both airlines would use every effort to guarantee a smooth transition, the airline declared.
The government’s approval of Singapore Airlines’ stake in the combined carrier was not long before the announcement. Singapore Airlines is a joint venture partner in Vistara, owning a 49 percent ownership in the airline. Following the merger, it would hold a 25.1% stake in the larger Air India. The last obstacle to the merger was the Indian government’s approval of Singapore carrier’s Rs 2,059-crore investment in the combined carrier.

“Air India is happy that Singapore Airlines’ foreign direct investment in Air India has been authorized by the Union Cabinet. According to Air India, “This is a significant milestone that helps with the Vistara and Air India merger process as well as the overall transformation of the Air India Group.”
“Over the past ten years, we have truly valued the assistance and business of all of our clients. We want to underline that this merger is about giving clients more options with a larger fleet and a wider network, while improving the entire travel experience, as we continue on our growth trajectory. Vistara and Air India are dedicated to facilitating a seamless and trouble-free move. Vinod Kannan, CEO of Vistara, stated, “We are thrilled about this new chapter in our journey and look forward to welcoming our customers again – as Air India.”
Air India flight numbers will replace Vistara flight numbers for flights on or after November 12, even though the aircraft, itinerary, and operating crew will almost always remain the same until early 2025. After November 12, all existing Vistara reservation holders will have their bookings automatically switched to Air India flight numbers. September is when this will happen in phases, and each customer will receive a personalized notification at that time.

“The human resources (HR) teams are working on transferring our Vistara colleagues who haven’t already been assigned to Air India. In an internal message to Air India staff, CEO Campbell Wilson stated, “Like with those who have already joined, we look forward to welcoming our new Air Indians, making them feel at home, and having their assistance in catalyzing and accelerating the new Air India.”
In an internal communication, Kannan also informed the Vistara staff of the news and expressed gratitude for their support of the company’s expansion. In the upcoming weeks, Kannan—who is also the merger’s chief integration officer—told Vistara staff members about the merger timeline and provided them with updates on personnel migration and harmonization efforts. By stating that the merger marks the “beginning of an exciting new chapter” in the airline’s growth story and will present “numerous opportunities” to all employees, Kannan also attempted to allay concerns among Vistara staff members.

The Tata group is in the process of integrating its budget carriers Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), in addition to the merger of Air India and Vistara. The Air India group will consist of two airlines after the mergers: Air India, a full-service carrier, and Air India Express, a low-cost carrier. A key component of Air India’s transformation initiative, Vihaan.Ai, which aims to establish Air India as a reputable airline worldwide, is the consolidation.