India’s IndiGo and Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines have signalled interest in joining the Oneworld airline alliance, as the group continues to examine whether to expand its membership.

Both carriers are seen as strong candidates because they would add major networks in two important aviation markets. But the alliance’s chief has warned that any move must protect the quality and fit of the group, rather than simply increase its size.

Oneworld now has 13 member airlines, and any decision on new entrants would affect route coverage, lounge access and loyalty benefits for millions of passengers around the world.

The remarks come as airline alliances compete to offer wider global connections while trying to keep customer service standards consistent. For travellers, a new member can mean more partner flights, easier connections and more earning and redemption options on frequent-flyer programmes.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has built one of the country’s biggest domestic and international networks. Starlux, which is based in Taiwan, has also expanded quickly and positioned itself as a premium long-haul carrier.

Those qualities make both airlines attractive additions for an alliance that already includes American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways among others. A bigger footprint in South Asia and East Asia would strengthen Oneworld’s presence in some of the world’s busiest travel regions.

But alliance leaders are under pressure to avoid admitting carriers that do not match the commercial and operational standards of existing members. Membership decisions are often shaped by network overlap, digital systems, premium service and loyalty-programme compatibility.

The Oneworld chief’s comments suggest the group is still being selective. Expansion can bring benefits, but it can also create complexity for passengers if partner airlines do not integrate smoothly across booking, baggage and ticketing systems.

For frequent flyers, the prospect of IndiGo or Starlux joining Oneworld has obvious appeal. Either move could widen the choice of routes available through alliance partners, especially for travellers heading to or from India and Taiwan.

However, no final decision has been announced. For now, the talk shows how airline alliances remain a key battleground for global connectivity as carriers look to grow without losing what makes them distinctive.