Here’s our weekly roundup of new air routes and codeshare partnerships
Air India, Singapore Airlines sign framework for expanded cooperation
Air India and Singapore Airlines have signed a commercial cooperation framework agreement to deepen their partnership, subject to regulatory approvals and final joint business agreements.
The agreement sets out plans to improve connectivity between Singapore and India through closer coordination of schedules, expanded route options and more seamless journeys across both airlines. Customers would be able to book unified itineraries and access enhanced product and service offerings.
The partnership may also extend to corporate travel programmes and expanded frequent flyer benefits beyond existing Star Alliance arrangements. The airlines currently codeshare on 61 points in 20 countries, following an expansion of their partnership in October 2024.
SWISS introduces Airbus A350 on Seoul services
Swiss International Air Lines will deploy its new Airbus A350 on the Zurich-Seoul route from the start of the 2026 summer schedule on March 29.
Seoul becomes the airline’s second longhaul destination, after Boston, to be served by the A350. The aircraft introduces the new SWISS Senses cabin, offering redesigned interiors, increased privacy, updated lighting intended to reduce jet lag, and revised onboard service elements.
The route is currently operated by Airbus A340 aircraft. SWISS launched services to the South Korean capital in summer 2024 and continues to operate the route three times a week. The A350 will also reduce overall flight time compared with the existing aircraft.
Emirates to launch daily Dubai-Helsinki service
Emirates will launch a daily, year-round service between Dubai and Helsinki from October 1, 2026, creating the only direct air link between Finland and the UAE. The route expands the airline’s Nordic network and will be operated by the Airbus A350.
The aircraft features three cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy – with lie-flat seats in Business Class, upgraded seating in Premium Economy and the latest in-flight entertainment system. Helsinki will receive the A350 from the start of the service, introducing Emirates’ newest onboard products and cabin features to the Finnish market.
Vietjet to connect Hanoi with Shizuoka from April 2026
Vietjet will launch a new Hanoi-Shizuoka service on April 28, 2026, operating three times a week. With this addition, Vietjet will operate 11 routes between Vietnam and Japan.
The route marks the first scheduled air service between Shizuoka and Vietnam, and the first direct connection between Shizuoka and South-east Asia since the opening of Mt Fuji Shizuoka Airport.
