Air India-Vistara operates its first flight from Doha to Mumbai

On Tuesday, November 12, at 12:15 AM, the recently merged Air India-Vistara company operated its first flight from Doha to Mumbai, according to reports. After Vistara and Air India merged on Monday night, the airline’s flight code would now read “AI2XXX” instead of “UK.”

At 12:15 AM, AI2286, the first international aircraft operated by the integrated entity, Doha to Mumbai. On the domestic front, AI2984, which departed at 1:20 AM from Mumbai to Delhi, is the first scheduled flight. Previously operating under Vistara’s flight codes, both flights will now be a part of Air India’s operations following the merger.

Vistara’s final flight as an independent airline was UK115 from Delhi to Singapore, which departed at 11:45 PM on Monday (November 11). Vistara pilots assured passengers during flights on the day of the merger that they could still have the same first-rate experience under the Air India brand name.

The integration of Vistara with Air India, both part of Tata Group, marks a major consolidation in the country’s civil aviation space. Vistara was a joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines. Post-merger, Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged Air India.

What does this merger mean for Vistara Loyalty Members?

All Club Vistara (CV) points will be converted to Air India’s Flying Returns program at a 1:1 ratio starting on November 12, 2024. Flying Returns accounts will be created for new members using the same information as their Club Vistara accounts.

Up to March 31, 2026, Vistara credit cards can still take advantage of their perks, such as free ticket vouchers and one-class upgrades. Cardholders will begin accruing Flying Returns points on November 12; CV points will be converted to Flying Returns points at a 1:1 ratio. In addition, Star Alliance will give members access to more than 20 airline partners, compared to Club Vistara’s five.

Up until March 2025, Club Vistara tier designation will be available for another year, granting access to lounges and priority check-in. After March 31, 2025, Vistara co-branded credit card renewals will stop.

The benefits of Vistara’s co-branded credit cards, including those with SBI, Axis, IDFC FIRST, and IndusInd, will last until March 31, 2026; however, new card renewals will stop after that date.

All Vistara miles will be converted to Flying Returns on January 1, 2025. Members will maintain their current Flying Returns program loyalty status while the conversion details are being finalised.

Seamless integration of Vistara into Air India

For now, Vistara’s routes and in-flight services will not change, and travellers can anticipate the same personnel. To aid with the changeover, Air India has offered additional support at a number of touchpoints, such as specialised help desk kiosks at major airports.

Additionally, all customer service representatives will be assisting passengers by donning T-shirts bearing the Air India x Vistara logo. Beginning on November 12, Vistara’s ticket offices and check-in terminals will progressively switch to using Air India’s code (AI2). 

Improved connectivity will come from the merger, giving Air India customers access to more than 90 domestic and international locations in addition to an additional 800 via codeshare and interline agreements.