Etihad Guest unveils 5 Indian partnerships at Mumbai event featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Neha Dhupia
BOBCARD, Flipkart, Swiggy, Shoppers Stop and The Postcard Hotel come on board
ABU DHABI – Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has marked a major expansion across India with the launch of five high-profile new loyalty partnerships, significantly strengthening its presence in one of the airline’s most important global markets.
The announcement was celebrated at a high-profile event in Mumbai, attended by industry partners, media representatives and Bollywood personalities including Ranbir Kapoor and Neha Dhupia.
India has emerged as the fastest-growing country for Etihad Guest, which now counts more than 13 million members worldwide. The programme is adding over 250,000 new members every month, with six new members joining every minute. As demand accelerates, Etihad is expanding its loyalty ecosystem in India to reward members for everyday lifestyle spending across travel, shopping, dining and digital services.
Speaking at the launch, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, highlighted the strategic importance of the market, noting that the airline operates 185 weekly flights to 11 Indian gateways. He said the expanded partner network reflects Etihad’s commitment to delivering meaningful value for Indian members while integrating Etihad Guest more deeply into daily life.
New partners
De said Etihad was proud to partner with BOBCARD, The Postcard Hotel, Flipkart, Swiggy and Shoppers Stop India, describing them as some of the country’s most trusted and influential consumer brands. He added that the initiative positions Etihad as the first international airline to deliver such a wide-ranging lifestyle-led loyalty expansion in India, connecting travel rewards with everyday spending habits.
The partnerships are designed to enhance flexibility, increase earning opportunities and provide tangible benefits beyond flying, aligning with the evolving expectations of Indian consumers who increasingly seek integrated rewards across sectors.
Credit card launch
A key highlight of the expansion is a strategic collaboration between Etihad Guest and BOBCARD Limited, the credit card subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, to introduce a new co-branded credit card for Indian travellers. The BOBCARD Etihad Guest Credit Card combines travel privileges with lifestyle benefits, enabling cardholders to earn Miles on everyday spending.
To mark the launch, new cardholders who join Etihad Guest before 28 February will receive double welcome Miles. The partnership aims to provide greater financial flexibility while making international travel more accessible through enhanced rewards and exclusive privileges tailored to Indian consumers.
Luxury hospitality
Luxury hotel group The Postcard Hotel has also joined Etihad Guest, marking a first-of-its-kind partnership between the boutique hospitality brand and a Middle Eastern airline. The collaboration allows Etihad Guest members to earn Miles when staying at The Postcard Hotel’s properties across India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Members staying two or three nights will earn 2,000 Miles, while stays of four nights or more will be rewarded with 4,000 Miles along with a complimentary night. As part of a limited-time launch promotion, all Etihad Guest members staying at The Postcard Hotel before 28 February will earn double Miles, further enhancing the value of the partnership.
Digital commerce
Etihad Guest has also entered into a strategic partnership with Flipkart, one of India’s largest homegrown e-commerce marketplaces, creating new redemption and conversion opportunities across both loyalty programmes. The partnership, expected to go live in the coming weeks, will allow Flipkart’s user base of more than 500 million to convert Supercoins into Etihad Guest Miles for flight redemptions.
In return, Etihad Guest members will be able to convert their Miles into Flipkart Supercoins, unlocking shopping opportunities across Flipkart’s extensive digital ecosystem. The collaboration is designed to increase flexibility while extending the reach of Etihad Guest beyond travel-related transactions.
Everyday convenience
Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has also joined Etihad Guest, bringing rewards into everyday food delivery, quick commerce and dining experiences. With operations spanning more than 700 cities across India, Swiggy significantly expands the programme’s reach into daily consumer habits.
Existing Etihad Guest members will receive six months of complimentary Swiggy One membership, offering benefits across food delivery, quick commerce and dining out. Etihad Guest members will also soon be able to earn Miles on all eligible Swiggy purchases, allowing routine spending to contribute towards future travel.
Retail rewards
Etihad has become the first airline to partner with Shoppers Stop India, one of the country’s largest department store chains, offering access to more than 500 brands across fashion, beauty, accessories, fragrances and home décor. The retailer operates both physical stores and a strong online platform.
As part of a limited-time promotion running until 15 February, Etihad Guest members can opt in to receive one year of complimentary Platinum status within Shoppers Stop’s First Citizen loyalty programme. In the coming months, members will also be able to earn Etihad Guest Miles on purchases made with Shoppers Stop India, converting retail spending into future travel rewards.