Indian airline Vistara will operate its last flights on 11 November 2024, after which point it will officially be absorbed into flag carrier, Air India.
From Tuesday this week, Vistara began removing bookings with the airline for travel on or after 12 November 2024.
In a statement, the Delhi-based airline said, “All Vistara aircraft thereafter will be operated by Air India and bookings for the routes operated by these aircraft will be redirected to Air India’s website”.
“Vistara will continue to take bookings and operate flights as usual till 11 November 2024,” it stated.
According to data from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Vistara is the third-largest Indian airline in terms of market share, carrying nearly one in 10 passengers during the first six months of the year.
In November, the Delhi-based airline said it will “embark on an exciting new chapter in its journey as it merges into Air India”.
“During this transition period, both Vistara and Air India will ensure necessary support, consistent communication and convenience to all customers, every step of the way,” it stated.
“As the merger process moves ahead, regular updates will be shared with customers on the websites and social media channels of Vistara and Air India, and via e-mail.
“This includes information on web check-in, lounge access, ancillary services, and all other possible touchpoints. All efforts will be made by the dedicated teams across both airlines to ensure a seamless transition.”
While customers will still see Vistara branding after 11 November, the airline’s fleet will eventually be painted in Air India liveries, although there’s been no word on how the rollout of this transition will look.
“Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for many months to make the transition of aircraft, flying crew, ground-based colleagues and, most importantly, our valued customers, into the new Air India as seamless as possible,” Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said.
“The joint team looks forward to offering our guests an expanded network, additional flight options, an enhanced frequent flyer program and the best of both antecedent airlines and are grateful for the support of our loyal customers through this next phase of building a world-class, world scale, global airline with an Indian heart.”
Meanwhile, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan thanked flyers for their support since the carrier launched in January 2015.
“As we progress further in our growth journey, we want to emphasize that this merger is about offering them more choice with a larger fleet and a wider network while elevating the overall travel experience.
“Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and hassle-free. We are excited about this new phase in our journey and look forward to welcoming our customers again soon – as Air India.”