British Airways suspends codeshare pact with Kingfisher Airlines

British Airways recently announced that its codeshare agreement with India’s private carrier Kingfisher Airlines now stands suspended.

The two airlines had entered into a codeshare agreement in September 2010, and operated flights across India, Sri Lanka, UK and Europe using each other’s network. The pact also allowed the passengers to book Kingfisher Airlines and British Airways flights and travel on a single ticket. The passengers were also able to earn frequent flyer points on the codeshare routes and gain access to each other’s airport lounges.

Chris Fordyce, British Airways’ Regional Commercial Manager - South Asia, said the passengers who booked British Airways flights tickets to travel on an operating Kingfisher Airlines flights will remain unaffected.

Fordyce said that the passengers who made British Airways flight reservations to travel on a canceled service will be able to rebook to an alternate service, where available, or claim a full refund.

Kingfisher Airlines is currently into dire straits and facing huge financial problems. Travel industry experts contend that the poor financial health of Kingfisher Airlines might have resulted into suspension of codeshare agreement between the two airlines.