Air India enters into codeshare partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines

Air India, India’s leading global airline, and Azerbaijan Airlines, part of AZCON Holding, have entered into a new codeshare partnership. The cooperation offers greater flexibility, enhanced connectivity, and more convenient travel options between Azerbaijan and India, as well as onward destinations through both airlines' networks, while strengthening business, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries.

What’s Changing
- New destination for Air India customers: Baku, Azerbaijan
- Flights covered:
- Delhi ↔ Baku (daily, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines)
- Mumbai ↔ Baku (daily, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines)
- Air India’s ‘AI’ code will be placed on these flights, so passengers can book them as Air India services even though they’re operated by Azerbaijan Airlines.

Benefits for Travelers
- Seamless connectivity: Customers can book one ticket across both airlines, with smooth check-in and baggage handling.
- Expanded network: Opens up Azerbaijan for Indian travelers and strengthens onward connections through both carriers.
- Convenience: Example — a passenger from Bangkok can fly Air India to Delhi, then connect to Baku on Azerbaijan Airlines under one itinerary.

Strategic Impact
- Air India: Adds Baku to its network without deploying its own aircraft, enhancing reach through partnerships.
- Azerbaijan Airlines: Gains access to India’s fast-growing aviation market, boosting business and leisure travel flows.
- Broader ties: Supports tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between India and Azerbaijan.

Leadership Voices
- Nipun Aggarwal (Air India CCO): Highlighted the vision of making “every corner of the world within reach” for Air India customers.
- Jamil Manizade (Azerbaijan Airlines CCO): Emphasized India’s importance as a growing market and the value of offering passengers “greater choice and enhanced connectivity.”

Bigger Picture
- Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has aggressively expanded alliances:
- 26 codeshare partnerships
- 120+ interline agreements
- Access to 1,000+ destinations worldwide

This partnership is another step in Air India’s global expansion strategy, while Azerbaijan Airlines strengthens its international footprint.