Vistara (UK/VTI) will cease to exist as a standalone brand on November 12, as it merges with Air India (AI/AIC). From that date, Vistara flights will operate under the Air India brand and adopt the “AI” flight code, replacing the current “UK” designator. Flight bookings will also shift to Air India’s website, finalizing the merger process. Starting September 3, passengers will no longer be able to book Vistara flights for travel on or after November 12, though the airline will continue regular operations and accept bookings until November 11, 2024. What do you think of this? Will this merger be a good move for Air India and Vistara’s passengers? Let us know.
Cover photo: Janam Parikh, JetPhotos
![An example full flight summary response from the Flightradar24 API: { "data": [ { "fr24_id": "0987654321", "flight": "SK1415", "callsign": "SAS1415", "operated_as": "SAS", "painted_as": "SAS", "type": "A20N", "reg": "SE-DOY", "orig_icao": "ESSA", "orig_iata": "ARN", "datetime_takeoff": "2023-01-27T05:15:22", "runway_takeoff": "12R", "dest_icao": "EKCH", "dest_iata": "CPH", "dest_icao_actual": "EPWA", "dest_iata_actual": "WAW", "datetime_landed": "2023-01-27T06:15:10", "runway_landed": "27L", "flight_time": 3600, "actual_distance": 1007.74, "circle_distance": 6245, "category": "Passenger", "hex": "4A91F9", "first_seen": "2023-01-27T05:06:22", "last_seen": "2023-01-27T06:18:10", "flight_ended": "true" } ] }](https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Flight-summary-API-cover-768x378.jpg)
3 Responses
As an avgeek and someone who loved Vistara, especially during its early years, this news feels bittersweet. Vistara did definitely brought a fresh and premium experience to Indian aviation, something that stood out from what was already there in Indian Aviation.
It’s sad to see the “UK” code disappear and the Vistara brand dissolve because, for many of us, it was a symbol of something better in the Indian skies. I just hope that Vistara’s unique touch isn’t lost in the process of merger and that we don’t just end up with more of the old Air India. Anyway, for those of us who loved the Vistara experience, it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss.
I am disappointed to say the least.
No doubt, Air India is a bigger airline and has a larger brand recall all over the world but their customer service has not been that great & although there are improvements reported by many users, they still are a far cry from Vistara’s customer service.
One more thing to add here is how Vistara had clear differentiator for their cabins ex. meals served in Premium Economy was different from Economy or had more options. With Air India, that does not seem to be the case.
It surely is sad to see such a fine airline merge into one that aspires to be great but is way off at the moment. Vistara’s management has literally tolied hard to get flyers onboard and these people are used to certain service standards. If not immediately, I hope in a not so distant future, Air India is able to match Vistara’s standards.
It’s deeply saddening to hear this my journey with Vistara is coming to an end on November 11, 2024. Vistara has indeed set a high standard in the airline industry, offering unparalleled comfort and excellent service that has made your travel experience memorable, especially on those long-haul flights from Germany to India. The thought of its merger with Air India raises many questions about whether the same level of quality and reputation will be upheld in the future. It’s a bittersweet moment to reflect on the wonderful experiences you’ve had with Vistara; it has been more than just an airline, but rather a symbol of comfort and reliability during your travels. Your loyalty and cherished memories highlight the essence of the exceptional service that Vistara has provided over the years, making its impending change all the more poignant.