Air India Express flights and airline information

Air India Express is a leading Indian low-cost carrier and part of the Air India Group. The airline specializes in providing affordable travel between India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, ensuring quality connectivity for millions of passengers. The company's primary operational base and hub is Bengaluru, alongside major aviation hubs in Delhi and Mumbai.

The airline positions itself as an efficient low-cost carrier offering a balanced price-to-quality ratio. As a subsidiary of the national carrier Air India, the company adheres to high standards of safety and operational performance. Although Air India Express is not officially a member of any global alliance, its close integration with its parent company—a member of Star Alliance—expands opportunities for travelers.

One of the carrier's key features is its focus on the needs of migrant workers and tourists, offering direct flights from regional Indian airports to international centers. In recent years, the company has undergone a massive transformation, refreshing its brand and significantly expanding its domestic network by merging with AIX Connect. This has allowed Air India Express to become one of the most dynamically developing players in the region's aviation market.

The airline's fleet is constantly being modernized and includes modern narrow-body aircraft from the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families. Air India Express regularly receives high marks for punctuality and service efficiency on short and medium-haul routes, making it a popular choice for those who value time and budget savings.

You can contact Air India Express representatives and receive the necessary assistance through official communication channels:

• Official Website — airindiaexpress.com
• Global Contact Center — +91 124 443 5600, +91 124 443 5601 (available 24/7)
• Customer Support Email — customersupport@airindiaexpress.in
• Email for Feedback and Claims — customerfeedback@airindiaexpress.in
• Social Media — company accounts can be found on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) under the official name Air India Express.
• Mobile App — available for download on the App Store and Google Play for managing bookings and checking in.
• Headquarters (HQ) — Vatika One-on-One, Block 4, Gurugram, Haryana 122007, India.

For urgent matters such as flight delays or baggage issues, it is recommended to use the mobile app or call the hotline. Always check the official website's "Contact Us" section for the latest contact information and regional phone numbers.

Baggage rules for Air India Express depend on the selected fare and the flight destination, so passengers are encouraged to always verify the allowances specified on their ticket. As a standard for cabin baggage, 1 item weighing up to 7 kg is usually permitted. The dimensions of the bag should not exceed 55 × 35 × 25 cm to ensure it fits easily in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Checked baggage allowances on international flights typically range from 25 to 35 kg, depending on the route. For domestic flights within India, different rules may apply based on fare plans (e.g., Saver, Value, or Flex). It is important to remember that the total dimensions of a single piece of baggage must not exceed the airline's established standards.

Excess baggage and overweight items are charged separately. The airline offers a pre-paid extra weight service through its website, which is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport. Rates depend on the specific route and the amount of excess weight.

Special items, such as sports equipment or musical instruments, are transported under special baggage rules. Their transportation requires an additional fee and, in some cases, prior coordination. Strollers are generally carried free of charge in addition to the baggage allowance. Dangerous substances, flammable liquids, and other items threatening flight safety are prohibited. Before your trip, ensure your luggage is securely packed and labeled with your contact information.

Animal Transportation in the Cabin and Cargo Hold

As of now, Air India Express does not provide detailed, publicly available regulations for the transport of pets on its flights. Unlike its parent company, the low-cost carrier may have stricter restrictions or a total ban on transporting pets in the cabin (PETC) and the cargo hold.

Required Documents and Requirements

• Veterinary Certificates: If transportation is permitted, a veterinary passport and a vaccination certificate (including rabies) are mandatory.
• International Standards: For flights outside of India, international certificates of compliance with the arrival country's standards are required.
• Container: If transportation is allowed, the crate must be rigid, ventilated, and appropriate for the animal's size.

Pre-flight Preparation Recommendations

• Information Request: Passengers must contact the airline's contact center at +91 124 443 5600 at least 48 hours before departure.
• Restrictions: Bans often apply to the transportation of brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs) due to health risks during pressure changes.
• Feeding: It is recommended not to feed the pet 4-6 hours before the flight, while ensuring they have access to water.

Since rules can change and depend on the specific aircraft type, we strongly recommend clarifying the current pet transportation conditions directly with Air India Express specialists before purchasing a ticket.

Air India Group Loyalty Program

Air India Express does not have its own standalone loyalty program under a separate brand. However, as part of the Air India Group, the carrier is integrated into the group's general bonus system, allowing passengers to enjoy benefits for frequent travel.

Membership Tiers and Mile Accumulation

• Flying Returns: Historically, group passengers could accumulate miles in the Flying Returns program, which features several tiers (Base, Silver, Gold, Platinum).
• Earning Points: The ability to earn miles for Air India Express flights depends on the selected fare (for example, flexible Flex fares more often allow for point accumulation than basic Saver fares).
• Partners: Accumulated miles can be used not only for group flights but also with various partners, including hotels and car rental services.

How to Spend Bonuses and Join the Program

• Benefits: Miles can be exchanged for reward tickets with the parent company Air India or for additional services, such as paying for excess baggage.
• Registration: Participation in the program is usually free; you can register on the official Air India website or through the group's mobile app.
• Alliance Participation: Due to its link with Air India, status passengers may be eligible for certain privileges within the Star Alliance network on connecting flights.

Current rules for earning miles on specific Air India Express flights should be checked in the Loyalty section of the group's official website, as the program conditions are undergoing an active update phase in 2026.

Onboard service at Air India Express is organized according to a classic low-cost model, where the main focus is on safety and travel affordability. The airline offers flights exclusively in economy class, which helps maintain competitive ticket prices. The cabins of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft have a standard configuration with ergonomic seats that provide the necessary comfort for short and medium-haul routes.

Onboard meals are provided primarily on a paid basis. Passengers can choose dishes from a buy-on-board menu, which includes snacks, hot Indian cuisine, and beverages. Certain fare types may include pre-paid meals. Traditional entertainment systems (screens in seatbacks) are not available, so travelers are encouraged to bring their own gadgets; streaming entertainment services via Wi-Fi are being tested on some newer aircraft.

For passengers with children, Air India Express offers basic amenities, and it is recommended to book bassinets for infants in advance through the contact center. The airline also provides support for passengers with disabilities, offering wheelchairs and boarding assistance. An important feature is the ability to order special meals (e.g., vegetarian) when booking a ticket on the website. Additional services, such as selecting an Extra Legroom seat, are available for an extra charge.

The Air India Express flight geography covers India's most important economic and tourist centers, as well as key international destinations. The main link for the entire route network is the hub in Bengaluru, from which numerous domestic and international flights are operated.

The airline actively connects metropolises such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, ensuring high flight frequencies. Southern destinations, including Chennai and Kochi, as well as rapidly developing cities like Pune and Guwahati, also occupy an important place in the schedule. In the east, the carrier operates flights to Ranchi and Bhubaneswar, while beach lovers can take flights to Vasco da Gama (Goa) and Siliguri.

To purchase Air India Express tickets at the best prices, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance, ideally 2-3 months before departure. The low-cost carrier uses dynamic pricing, so mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are usually cheaper than those on weekends or holidays. Following seasonal sales and promotions is easiest through the airline's official social media accounts and mobile app.

When booking, carefully review the fare plans: Saver is the most budget-friendly but often non-refundable; Flex provides more freedom when changing plans. Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and allows you to avoid airport queues and guarantee your seat choice. Remember that some airports may charge an additional fee for check-in at the counter if online check-in was not completed.

Seat selection with Air India Express is almost always a paid option. If legroom is important to you, book emergency exit seats in advance. The mobile app often features exclusive offers not displayed on third-party aggregator sites. Also, don't forget to get travel insurance to cover unforeseen expenses in case of flight delays or baggage loss, which is particularly relevant for connecting international routes.

Air India Express was founded in 2005 as a strategic division of the national carrier Air India. The main goal of creating the new airline was to provide affordable air travel for millions of Indians working in the Persian Gulf countries and Southeast Asia. Initially, the company's headquarters was located in the state of Kerala, with its main operational bases in Kochi and Calicut.

During its first decades of operation, the company established itself as a reliable low-cost carrier specializing in medium-haul flights. A significant milestone was the systematic expansion of the fleet with modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which made it possible to connect regional Indian airports with cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore. Air India Express became a symbol of mobility for the Indian diaspora worldwide.

A new era in the carrier's history began after the Air India Group came under the control of the Tata Group conglomerate. In the 2020s, a large-scale integration of Air India Express with AIX Connect (formerly known as AirAsia India) was initiated. This process led to the merging of fleets, the expansion of the domestic route network, and the relocation of the headquarters to a modern business center in Delhi (Gurugram), highlighting the company's commitment to centralization and growth.

Today, Air India Express operates more than 500 flights daily, serving as a key element of India's aviation strategy. The evolution of the fleet, including the introduction of Airbus A320 aircraft, and a focus on digital innovation allow the company to maintain its leadership in the low-cost segment. The airline continues to develop environmental initiatives and sustainability programs while maintaining its historic mission—to make the skies accessible to everyone.