Star Alliance today welcomed Air India as a full member of its global airline network, extending the national carrier’s extensive domestic reach to Star Alliance customers around the world.
With Air India now part of Star Alliance, the airline offers the full suite of Star Alliance customer benefits across its network. Likewise, Air India passengers can access the same benefits when flying on any of the other 26 member airlines.
“This is an important day for us. We have said for many years that we needed a strong home carrier in the Indian market and by welcoming Air India to our Star Alliance family, we have achieved this goal,” said Mark Schwab, Chief Executive of Star Alliance. “The renewed Air India is ready to provide Star Alliance customer benefits to many more travellers.”
Air India contributes around 400 daily flights and adds more than 40 domestic destinations in India to the Star Alliance network. As part of membership, the airline now offers through check-in to the final destination for connecting flights operated by any Star Alliance carrier, covering both passengers and baggage where permitted by local regulations. This means passengers generally do not need to collect boarding passes for connecting flights at transfer airports, and baggage will be transferred to the final destination when customs and local rules allow.
Reciprocal frequent flyer benefits between Air India’s Flying Returns program and the loyalty programs of existing Star Alliance members are now in effect, enabling members to earn and redeem miles across the expanded network and access shared recognition and privileges.
The integration strengthens connectivity across India and beyond, providing travellers with more seamless connections, improved baggage handling options, and broader frequent flyer value. Together, Air India and Star Alliance aim to deliver a more convenient and consistent travel experience for passengers on domestic and international routes.
As part of the alliance, customers can expect coordinated schedules, greater route choices, streamlined transfers and consistent service standards across member airlines. This alignment supports better travel options for both leisure and business travellers, helping to simplify itineraries that combine domestic and international segments.
Air India’s entry into Star Alliance marks a significant expansion of the alliance’s presence in India, reinforcing its commitment to growing global connectivity while offering customers the benefits of a larger, harmonized network.
Passengers are encouraged to check with Air India and Star Alliance member carriers for specific details on through check-in, baggage transfer rules and frequent flyer reciprocity for particular routes and airports, since local regulations can affect the extent of services provided.