Vistara to end services in November as merger with Air India

Vistarais likely to merge with Air India on November 12. On Friday, the company announced that customers will not be able to book Vistara flights from September 3, 2024 for travel on or after November 12, 2024.

Following the merger of Vistara and Air India, Tata SIA Airlines announced that flights scheduled till November 11, 2024 can be booked on the Vistara platform until September 3, 2024. After November 11, 2024, Vistara's fleet will be completely integrated into Air India's operations, with Air India taking over all remaining Vistara bookings.

Passengers will receive new e-ticket numbers while retaining their original PNR. For bookings beyond this date, customers should use the Air India website or app.

This development comes in after India Government approves an investment of Rs 2,059 crore by Singapore Airlines (SIA) in the merged airline.

“Air India welcomes the Union Cabinet’s approval for the foreign direct investment by Singapore Airlines in Air India. This is an important milestone that facilitates the merger process between Vistara and Air India, and the broader transformation of the Air India Group,” said an Air India spokesperson.   

After the last flight of Vistara on November 11, all the Vistara aircraft will operate under Air India’s brand name. This would effectively mark an end to the 10-year run of Vistara during which it established itself as a premium full-service carrier.

“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,” said Vistara’s Chief Executive, Vinod Kannan.     

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, that 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. 

“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…" added Wilson. Vistara’s frequent flyer programme, Club Vistara, will be phased out and merged with Air India’s Flying Returns programme.