Malaysia Airlines and IndiGo Expand Networks with Codeshare Deal
Malaysia Airlines and Indian budget carrier IndiGo have officially launched a codeshare agreement, significantly enhancing travel connectivity between Malaysia and India. This strategic partnership allows both airlines to extend their reach, offering travelers more options and seamless connections across both countries, reported ch-aviation.com.
Under this agreement, Malaysia Airlines will add its flight code “MH” to seven additional domestic destinations in India, all operated by IndiGo. These destinations include major airports such as Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Varanasi International Airport (VNS), Patna Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT), Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), Goa Dabolim Airport (GOI), Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI), and Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ). This partnership expands Malaysia Airlines’ footprint in India beyond its current direct flights to ten major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Conversely, IndiGo will place its flight code “6E” on several of Malaysia Airlines’ domestic routes originating from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Terminal 1. These include popular destinations such as Penang International Airport (PEN), Langkawi International Airport (LGK), Johor Bahru Senai International Airport (JHB), Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KBI), and Kuching International Airport (KCH). This codeshare agreement offers enhanced connectivity for travelers, allowing seamless transitions between flights operated by both airlines.
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, expressed his optimism about the partnership, noting the importance of the Indian market for both leisure and business travelers. “This collaboration allows us to provide Malaysia Airlines passengers with greater access to India’s vast cultural and economic hubs while offering IndiGo passengers a warm welcome to experience the best of Malaysian hospitality,” Ismail commented.
He also highlighted the strategic benefits of this partnership, which is expected to bolster tourism growth between Malaysia and India. This development is particularly significant given the visa-free entry arrangements in place for tourists traveling between the two countries. Ismail emphasized, “Our goal is to provide travelers with more options, enhanced connectivity, and a seamless travel experience.”
The codeshare agreement between Malaysia Airlines and IndiGo was solidified after the two airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in April 2024. This collaboration is aimed at strengthening travel ties between the two nations, leveraging the operational strengths and extensive networks of both airlines to create a more convenient and integrated travel experience for passengers.
The partnership is a major milestone for both Malaysia Airlines and IndiGo, as it helps both airlines expand their market presence and tap into the growing demand for air travel between Malaysia and India. With improved access to key destinations in both countries, this agreement is expected to attract more tourists and business travelers, contributing to increased economic and tourism growth in the region.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com