Air India vs Vistara: Which Airline Should You Fly in 2026?
If you've been searching for Air India vs Vistara, you're not alone. I still get asked, "Khushi, which one should I book?" The truth is, this comparison has changed completely. Since the Air India–Vistara merger was completed in November 2024, Vistara is no longer operating as a separate airline.
If you're planning to travel in 2026, here's what I've learned after following the merger closely and flying both airlines over the years.
What Happened to Vistara?
The merger didn't happen overnight. Tata Group regained Air India in 2022 and announced its plan to merge Vistara later that year. Vistara operated its final flight on 11 November 2024, and from 12 November 2024, all its flights, aircraft, crew, and bookings officially became part of Air India.
Today, the merged Air India Group operates around 300 aircraft, serves more than 100 domestic and international destinations, and runs over 8,000 flights every week. Around 4.5 million Club Vistara members were also moved to Air India's Maharaja Club loyalty program.
How Air India and Vistara Compared
Before the merger, I always found Vistara to be the more premium airline. Its cabins felt newer, the food was consistently better, and the cabin crew delivered excellent service. Air India, especially before Tata's takeover, had an older fleet and less consistent service.
However, Air India always had one major advantage, its larger international network. It connected more destinations across Europe, the US, Australia, and the Middle East, while Vistara mainly focused on domestic and short-haul international routes.
What Is the Experience Like in 2026?
The biggest change I've noticed is that many former Vistara aircraft are now flying under the Air India brand. On these flights, you'll often experience the same comfortable seats, quality catering, and improved service that made Vistara so popular.
That said, not every Air India aircraft has been upgraded yet. Older aircraft still have dated interiors and offer a noticeably different experience. That's why I always recommend checking the aircraft type before booking. Newer Airbus A350s and retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliners generally provide the best onboard experience.
My Final Verdict
For me, the Air India vs Vistara debate is no longer about choosing between two airlines, it's about choosing the right Air India aircraft.
If you're booking a flight in 2026, focus less on the airline's old reputation and more on the aircraft you'll be flying. Air India has inherited many of Vistara's strengths while offering a much larger route network. Choosing a newer aircraft can make a huge difference and give you the premium experience that made Vistara a favorite among Indian travelers.
