This merger represents the largest consolidation in Indian aviation since 2006-07, when Indian Airlines merged with Air India, Air Sahara joined Jet Airways, and Air Deccan was incorporated into Kingfisher Airlines.

The merger of Air India and Vistara was officially completed on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. The newly merged entity will now operate over 5,600 weekly flights and serve more than 90 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 208 aircraft.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on Thursday said the best qualities of Vistara are being brought to Air India, which was in decline for a number of systemic reasons when Tatas took over the airline two years back,

The new 'Air India’ will operate flights with airline code ‘AI’ while Vistara aircraft will have a four-digit flight number beginning with the digit “2”

Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, said, “This completes the consolidation and restructuring phase of Air India Group’s post-privatisation transformation

The decision to merge Vistara with Air India was taken in 2022 after the Tata Group acquired Air India from the government.

Air India now requires passengers to pre-book halal meals which are only available as a special `Muslim meal` option on select routes.

Tata Sons chairman announced the merger of Air India and Vistara. The merger aims to create a strong full-service airline. The combined entity will leverage synergies and efficiencies. The merger process will involve integrating different cultures and systems.

N Chandra in post on LinkedIn on November 14, marking the merger of Air India and Vistara, said he is optimistic about the future for AI.