By Rohit
Copyright thehindubusinessline
Tata Group-promoted Air India Express is targeting operations to 65 destinations by the end of 2025, industry sources told businessline.
The airline has already added six destinations in the past month alone — Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and (announced) Navi Mumbai.
Currently, Air India Express operates flights to 60 destinations, comprising 43 domestic and 17 international airports.
“The continued rollout of new routes is expected to bolster AIX’s position in both domestic and international markets,” sources said.
“Express is actively working to capitalise on underserved routes and second-tier cities within India.”
Some routes have also been withdrawn, industry insiders noted.
According to sources, the low-cost carrier is also eyeing expansion across key international corridors such as the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
Beyond passenger demand, the decision to launch new routes is being driven by fleet availability and airport slot opportunities.
Industry insiders cited the rapid induction of new aircraft as a major driver of the network’s expansion.
“With plans to induct more than 50 narrow-body jets in the coming quarters, the airline is expected to increase frequencies on high-demand routes while also adding new city pairs.”
At present, Air India Express operates over 500 daily flights with a fleet of 115 aircraft — comprising 75 Boeing 737s and 40 Airbus A320s.
It has been positioned as the Group’s flagship low-cost carrier, with clear growth targets and operational independence.
Besides, the airline is set to commence a major cabin retrofit programme to standardise seating across its Boeing 737-8 fleet.
Furthermore, the initiative will see all aircraft fitted with a single type of economy class seat. The move is expected to “improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and minimise delays.”
According to sources, the airline currently operates more than 40 aircraft with varying business class configurations.
Consequently, the mismatch in seating complicated the airline’s quick-turnaround business model.
These aircraft were originally built for other airlines — including some Chinese carriers — but were never delivered due to various circumstances.
However, they were later remarketed and acquired by Air India Express.
“This creates a problem for the quick-turnaround business model,” sources said.
“Once all the aircraft are refitted with a uniform economy class seat, the airline will be able to offer faster services and a more consistent product.”
The move is also expected to enhance scheduling flexibility, enabling the airline to deploy aircraft more efficiently across its network.
Published on September 29, 2025
