A handshake and a few signatures were all it took as Air India Group finalised the merger of India’s first airline, Air India, and the nation’s premium airline, Vistara. India bid a bittersweet farewell to the Aubergine and Gold carrier, which turned into the symbol of luxury in the skies. Not many know this, but the name Vistara comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Vistaar’ meaning limitless expanse. Since its debut in 2015, Vistara has redefined air travel in India, creating memorable journeys with its top-notch service and in-flight experiences. In many ways, Vistara mirrored its tagline, ‘Flying the New Feeling’, delivering an unmatched travel experience. Now, as Vistara’s final flight took to the skies, industry leaders chimed in, sharing their limitless memories of flying with the brand. From heartfelt anecdotes to unique milestones, their reflections honour Vistara’s impactful legacy, capturing what made it so special as it becomes part of India’s largest full-service carrier.
“You may have been flying first, business or the economy class; you may have been served the best wine and food. The miles, the lounges, the legroom—the Boeing 787 or Airbus A320—nothing will make you remember an airline. It’s the human touch that made Vistara always special. For me, my most memorable flight was the last Vistara flight I took on November 11, 2024 - UK 970. The last day for Vistara. Just before landing in Delhi, I got a handwritten letter from the Vistara crew. Thanking me for flying with Vistara for 9 years and hoping I enjoyed my ‘Last Vistara Flight’. Signed by every single crew of UK970. Nothing can compare to this personal touch, nothing.”
Rajdeepak Das
CCO, Publicis Groupe, South Asia & Chairman, Leo Burnett, South Asia
“Ta Ra Ra Ra. One of the first sonic identities created by BrandMusiq for Vistara Airlines. There are many reasons why this brand sonic will remain special to us. It was the first big brand that gave us a break when we were a fledgling start-up. This sonic identity literally gave wings to both Vistara and BrandMusiq, establishing us as a sonic branding company that was here to stay. Sadly, we will never hear it again, welcoming us aboard a Vistara flight. But its melody will forever echo in our hearts and remind us of the Vistara tagline: Fly the new Feeling.”
Rajeev Raja
Founder & Soundsmith, BrandMusiq
“Vistara for me was always aspirational. From the advertising to the way the airline was, for a boy from Kanpur, it always felt like an upgrade. Whenever I booked it, I looked forward to it. Club Vistara was also the only airline loyalty program I have signed up for. I will miss the feeling. Also, while we’re all sad with Vistara going away, we should also observe how Air India is slowly upping their game. My first flight was Air India, and for years, I have had nostalgic love for the brand. I never did mind flying in it, and I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. The plane was new and clean. The food was better, and the charging points were working. The staff was cheerful. Looking forward to more of that now.”
Aalap Desai
Co-Founder & CCO, tgthr
“One memory that will stay with me about Vistara is the exceptional care and consideration they showed when my 15-year-old daughter travelled alone. Although Vistara’s guidelines typically provide assistance to children under 12, they went above and beyond to ensure she was supported every step of the way—from check-in to boarding. This level of attention to detail made her feel truly valued and secure. Unfortunately, when she traveled back with another airline, that same level of care was not extended. Vistara’s dedication to going the extra mile is what truly differentiated them in the industry.”
Abhishek Gupta
Chief Marketing Officer, Edelweiss Life Insurance
“No brand has ever made me feel truly special—except Vistara. It’s the same feeling I get when I come home after a long day, and someone—whether it’s my mom or dad—asks kindly, “Khana khaya kya?” That small, warm gesture makes you feel valued. Vistara does the same, from the welcoming smiles to the comfort, hot meals, soothing ambiance, and even the music. They make you feel special, and if you want more, their premium economy offers that extra touch. Other brands, like Vodafone, have tried with perks and subscriptions, but it’s the way Vistara makes you feel that stands out.”
Yash Kulshrestha
Chief Creative Officer, ^ a t o m.
“I have always been a loyal Vistara flier! In fact, I was just looking for a flight to Mumbai earlier today, and it was very strange to not see Vistara amongst the options! It will take quite some time for passengers to accept that the airline is no longer around, at least not in its original avatar. A huge ‘Thank you’ to Team Vistara for some amazing memories, especially for those class upgrade vouchers, which always made us feel great. Let’s also welcome the Maharaja again! Clearly, his kingdom is expanding!”
Abhinav Iyer
Senior General Manager, Marketing & Strategy, Muthoot Finance
