Air India Express has announced the addition of new routes as part of its summer schedule, aimed at strengthening connectivity between major metro cities and key domestic destinations.
The airline will roll out the expanded network from May 1, 2026, with bookings already open across its website, mobile app, and authorised travel partners.
Focus on Metro Connectivity and Tier-2 Cities
The expansion is designed to enhance direct connectivity from metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to several state capitals, economic centres, and leisure destinations.
Among the newly introduced routes are direct services between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, along with connections linking both cities to Chandigarh and Dehradun. The airline has also added a direct Mumbai–Patna service, improving access to eastern India.
In western and southern India, the airline will connect Pune and Chennai with Bagdogra, a key gateway to the eastern Himalayan region. The Pune–Bagdogra route will be operated five days a week and will be exclusively served by Air India Express.
New Routes and Flight Operations
The airline will operate multiple daily and weekly flights across the newly introduced routes. Key services include:
– Ahmedabad–Chandigarh (six times a week)
– Ahmedabad–Dehradun (daily)
– Mumbai–Ahmedabad (daily)
– Mumbai–Chandigarh (daily)
– Mumbai–Dehradun (daily)
– Mumbai–Patna (daily)
– Bagdogra–Pune (five times a week)
Additional services include routes such as Bagdogra–Chennai, Hyderabad–Ranchi, and Kochi–Delhi, with most operating on a daily basis.
Increased Flight Frequencies Across Network
With the latest expansion, Air India Express will significantly increase its weekly operations across several cities. According to the Air India Express, the airline will operate:
– 174 weekly flights from Mumbai
– 393 from Delhi
– 108 from Bagdogra
– 96 from Pune
– 86 from Kolkata
– 62 from Kochi
Other cities such as Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Patna will also see a steady rise in flight frequencies.
Seasonal Demand Drives Route Reinstatement
The airline has also reinstated certain previously operated routes in response to seasonal travel demand. These include Bagdogra–Chennai, Delhi–Kochi, and Hyderabad–Ranchi services.
Airline Network and Operations
Air India Express currently operates over 500 daily flights connecting 45 domestic and 17 international destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf region. The airline’s fleet includes more than 100 aircraft, comprising Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s.
