Air India and Booking.com Launch Co-Branded Booking Platform with Loyalty Rewards

Booking.com is deepening its push into airline distribution partnerships, this time with Air India — a move that extends its "Connected Trip" strategy into one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

Air India and Booking.com announced a strategic partnership on June 22 to offer the airline's customers a co-branded accommodation platform powered by Booking.com, accessible through the Air India website and mobile app. The deal pairs flight booking with lodging in a single environment and layers loyalty rewards on top.

What the deal includes

Through the dedicated co-branded platform, Air India customers gain access to Booking.com's inventory of more than 31 million reported listings across 45 languages, including 8.6 million listings in homes, villas and other non-hotel stays, with Booking.com's 24/7 customer support.

The partnership ties directly into Air India's Maharaja Club loyalty programme. Members earn 5 Maharaja Points for every INR 100 spent on stays booked through the platform, redeemable for award flights and cabin upgrades. As a launch incentive, customers receive discounts of up to 15% on participating properties for a limited window running from June 22 to July 21, 2026.

Why it matters

The agreement reflects a broader industry shift toward bundled, single-platform trip planning. "As travellers increasingly seek integrated, digital-first travel experiences, we are excited to partner with Air India. This collaboration reflects our Connected Trip vision of making travel planning simpler and more seamless," said Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director and Vice President, Asia Pacific at Booking.com. She added that the partnership "reinforces our commitment to India."

For Air India, the tie-up is part of a wider ecosystem play. "By combining Air India's growing global network with Booking.com's vast portfolio, we are offering our guests greater convenience, choice and added value across journeys," said Abhijit Menon, Divisional Vice President and Head of Revenue Management at Air India. The airline says more than 100 brands have entered Maharaja Club partnerships over the past two years.

The deal lands as Air India, back under Tata Sons ownership since 2022, works through its five-year Vihaan.AI transformation, which includes orders for 600 new aircraft. A Star Alliance member, the airline operates over 300 aircraft to 60 domestic and 51 international destinations.