Air India Partners with airBaltic to Enhance Baltic Region Connectivity

Air India has strengthened its European network through a new codeshare partnership with Latvia's flag carrier airBaltic, announced on December 30, 2025. This strategic agreement enhances connectivity between India and the Baltic region, building upon an interline arrangement that began in June.

Codeshare Agreement Details

The unilateral codeshare arrangement allows Air India to place its 'AI' code on airBaltic-operated flights between Riga and multiple European destinations. This enables passengers to travel from India to Latvia using a single Air India ticket, with airBaltic operating the final sector to Riga.

Route Details:	Information
Partner Airline:	airBaltic (Latvia's flag carrier)
Agreement Type:	Unilateral codeshare
Announcement Date:	December 30, 2025
Previous Relationship:	Interline arrangement since June

European Hub Connectivity

The codeshare covers airBaltic flights between Riga and several key European cities served by Air India. These strategic hubs provide seamless connections for Indian passengers traveling to the Baltic region.

Covered European Destinations:

Amsterdam
Paris
Frankfurt
Copenhagen
Milan Malpensa
Vienna
Zurich
London Gatwick

Expanded Baltic Access

Beyond Latvia, the partnership provides Air India customers with improved access to the broader Baltic region. Through the existing interline setup, passengers can connect to additional Baltic capitals via Air India's European gateway cities.

Baltic Destinations:	Access Point
Tallinn, Estonia:	Via European gateways
Vilnius, Lithuania:	Via European gateways
Riga, Latvia:	Direct codeshare flights

Air India's European Network

Air India operates comprehensive non-stop services to the European cities included in this codeshare agreement. The airline's current European network includes flights from Delhi to Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan, Vienna, and Zurich. Additional services operate from Mumbai to Frankfurt and from Amritsar and Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.

Strategic Partnership Growth

Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal highlighted that the expanded cooperation with airBaltic reflects the airline's commitment to providing smoother global connections. He noted that Latvia and the broader Baltic region represent emerging travel markets that are now more conveniently accessible for Air India customers.

Since its privatisation in 2022, Air India has significantly expanded its international partnerships. The airline currently maintains 24 codeshare agreements and nearly 100 interline partnerships, offering connectivity to over 800 destinations worldwide. Bookings for the new codeshare services are available through Air India, airBaltic, and travel agents globally.

Air India has introduced exclusive welcome kits for members of its Maharaja Club loyalty program who achieve Gold and Platinum tier status. The carefully curated kits are distributed as members reach these premium tiers, featuring items designed for both utility and travel convenience.

Premium Kit Contents and Features

The airline has designed distinct welcome packages for each tier level, reflecting the exclusivity of higher membership status.

Tier Level	Kit Contents
Platinum	Leather folio, redesigned membership card, fridge magnet, personalised luggage tags, passport holder, deck of playing cards, limited-edition brass medallion
Gold	Membership card, two personalised luggage tags, set of acrylic coasters with vintage Maharaja artwork

The Platinum kit includes a notable limited-edition brass medallion commemorating J R D Tata's first flight in 1932. The Gold kit features acrylic coasters showcasing vintage Maharaja artwork, adding a touch of the airline's heritage to the member experience.

Maharaja Club Benefits and Privileges

Maharaja Club members enjoy comprehensive benefits designed to enhance their travel experience. The program offers priority check-in and boarding services, exclusive lounge access, and reciprocal privileges with 24 Star Alliance partner airlines. Members can also earn points on flights and through partner services, creating additional value from their loyalty.

Tier Qualification Requirements

Air India has established clear pathways for members to achieve premium status within the Maharaja Club program.

Tier	Annual Requirements	Alternative Flight Requirements
Gold	30,000 Tier Points (minimum 9,000 from Air India flights)	60 eligible flights (minimum 8 Air India flights)
Platinum	45,000 Tier Points (minimum 13,500 from Air India flights)	90 eligible flights (minimum 12 Air India flights)

The tier upgrade process occurs automatically once members meet the specified criteria. Members can track their progress toward tier qualification through the Air India website or mobile application, providing visibility into their status advancement.

Enhanced Loyalty Program Experience

The introduction of these welcome kits represents Air India's commitment to recognizing and rewarding its most loyal customers. The premium accessories and commemorative items serve both practical travel purposes and as tangible symbols of membership achievement. The program's integration with Star Alliance partners extends the value proposition beyond Air India's own network, offering members global recognition and benefits across multiple airlines.

These exclusive kits are designed to provide added value and recognition to Air India's most valued customers, reinforcing the airline's commitment to delivering exceptional service and rewards to its frequent flyers.