Air India and Singapore Airlines are getting ready to take their long-standing partnership a step further. The two airlines have signed a new cooperation agreement that sets the stage for closer coordination, better connections, and smoother journeys for travellers flying between India and Singapore.

The agreement was signed in Mumbai on 16 January 2026 by Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong.

What This Agreement Really Means for Travellers

Here’s the thing. This is not just another paperwork exercise.

Once regulatory approvals are in place and final agreements are signed, both airlines plan to work more closely on how their flights connect. The goal is simple: make travel between India and Singapore easier, more flexible, and more comfortable.

Travellers could see more route options, better-timed connections, and the ability to book flights across both airlines as one single journey instead of separate tickets.

Easier Connections and Better Flight Schedules

One of the key ideas behind this partnership is tighter coordination of flight schedules. That matters more than it sounds.

Better-aligned timings can mean shorter layovers, fewer missed connections, and smoother transfers through hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Singapore Changi Airport. For frequent flyers and long-haul travellers, that kind of improvement adds real value.

More Benefits for Frequent Flyers

The airlines are also looking beyond basic flight connections.

They plan to explore stronger links between their corporate travel programmes, which could bring better options for business travellers. Frequent flyer members may also benefit, with discussions underway to enhance privileges for Air India’s Maharaja Club and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer members beyond what Star Alliance already offers.

Nothing is final yet, but the intent is clear.

Partnership Could Go Beyond

While the focus right now is on India–Singapore routes, both airlines have hinted at something bigger.

They are exploring ways to expand cooperation in selected global markets as well. If approved, this could improve long-haul connectivity, support traffic through both airlines’ hubs, and strengthen travel links far beyond South and Southeast Asia.

A Strong Codeshare Already Exists

This deeper partnership builds on an already solid base.

Air India and Singapore Airlines currently code-share on 61 destinations across 20 countries and territories. In October 2024, they expanded this arrangement by adding 51 new domestic and international routes across both networks.

In other words, the airlines are not starting from scratch. They are scaling up something that already works.

What Happens Next

More details will be shared as plans are finalised and approvals come through. For now, travellers can expect gradual changes rather than overnight shifts.

Still, for anyone who flies frequently between India and Singapore, or uses either airline for long-haul connections, this partnership is worth keeping an eye on. It signals smoother journeys ahead, and that’s something travellers always appreciate.