Vistara, one of India’s premium airlines, is set to cease operations as it merges with Air India, marking the end of its standalone existence. The final hurdle in this merger was recently cleared with the approval of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) allowing Singapore Airlines to hold a 25.1% stake in Air India, which will also oversee Air India Express. This development signals the consolidation of Vistara, Air India, and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) into a unified entity under the Air India brand.
Vistara’s Final Days
Vistara will officially end its operations on November 11, 2024, with its last flight scheduled for that day. Starting next week (September 3, 2024), the airline will stop accepting bookings for flights beyond November 11. The merger, which comes shortly after the peak Diwali travel season, is expected to cause anxiety among passengers who have either booked flights with Vistara or were planning to do so, especially for the busy December travel period.
What Happens Next?
Following the merger, Vistara’s planes, employees, and routes will be integrated into Air India. Although the airline’s livery and branding will continue to be visible until the aircraft are repainted, the IATA code “UK” will be withdrawn from operations. Vistara’s network and flights will continue under the Air India brand, with flight numbers beginning with the “AI” prefix. Tickets for these flights will be available on the Air India website starting September 3.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers who have already booked flights with Vistara will not be affected for the time being. However, those traveling after November 12 may see changes in their flight details, which will be communicated by the airline. It is crucial for passengers to ensure their contact details are up-to-date to receive timely updates.
As Vistara’s fleet and crew transition to Air India, there may be some changes in service, especially for those booked in Premium Economy. Unlike Vistara, only a few Air India aircraft offer Premium Economy, which could lead to adjustments in passenger experience. However, for now, the airlines have assured that Vistara flights will continue to operate with the same planes and crew until early 2025.
Loyalty Program Transition
Vistara’s loyalty program, “Club Vistara,” is being merged with Air India’s “Flying Returns.” Loyalty members are encouraged to sign up for the account merger, where points will be transferred on a one-to-one basis. This integration ensures that frequent flyers do not lose their accumulated points.
Last Chance to Experience Vistara
For fans of Vistara, there is still time to experience the airline’s service before it fully transitions to Air India. However, with the gradual switchover, some flights might already begin operating under the Air India service model even before November 11. Passengers are advised to book soon to avoid any service changes.
Conclusion
As Vistara merges into Air India, it marks the end of an era for the airline that has built a dedicated customer base over the years. While the merger aims to strengthen the combined entity’s position in the aviation industry, it brings significant changes for passengers, particularly in terms of service, bookings, and loyalty programs. Passengers are advised to stay informed and prepared as the transition unfolds.
Sources By Agencies
