Air India Express
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Popular Air India Express Routes
Mangaluru (IXE)
Dubai (DXB)
Kozhikode (CCJ)
Dubai (DXB)
Kozhikode (CCJ)
Jeddah (JED)
Kannur (CNN)
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Kochi (COK)
Doha (DOH)
Kuwait City (KWI)
Mangaluru (IXE)
Riyadh (RUH)
Kozhikode (CCJ)
Mumbai (BOM)
Dubai (DXB)
Delhi (DEL)
Dubai (DXB)
Trivandrum (TRV)
Dammam (DMM)
Air India Express
About Air India Express
Air India Express, identified by IATA code IX, commenced operations on April 29, 2005, as India's first international budget airline. Initially focusing on routes to the Middle East, it has since expanded its network across India and Southeast Asia. A significant milestone occurred in 2022 when Air India Express, along with its parent company Air India, was acquired by the Tata Group, marking a historic privatization. The airline's headquarters are located in Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Under the Tata Group, Air India Express has undergone a major transformation, including an operational merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) in 2023. This strategic move aims to consolidate operations and accelerate profitability. The airline is known for bridging the gap between budget travel and premium amenities, pioneering initiatives like the 'AirFlix' in-flight streaming portal and introducing a hybrid 'Xpress Biz' premium cabin. It holds a 4-Star Low-Cost Airline certification from Skytrax, reflecting its commitment to quality and service.
GCC Operations and Connectivity
Air India Express maintains a massive presence in the GCC region, operating numerous direct flights to key destinations such as Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait City (KWI) from various Indian cities. The airline facilitates travel for both leisure and business, including dedicated Hajj and Umrah operations. Codeshare agreements with Air India further enhance connectivity, providing passengers with more travel options.
For Indian passport holders, especially those with ECR (Emigration Check Required) status or traveling on a paper tourist/work visa, a mandatory 'OK TO BOARD' clearance is required prior to departure for UAE-bound flights. Terminal information for GCC airports includes Dubai Terminal 2, Abu Dhabi Terminal A, Jeddah North Terminal, Riyadh Terminal 1 or 3 (passengers should check specific flights), and Kuwait City Terminal 1. Standard GCC visa-on-arrival and transit visa regulations apply according to immigration laws for eligible passport holders.
Latest Air India Express News
Air India Express to offer 30kg free baggage allowance on international flights
22 January 2025In a strategic move to boost its competitiveness on key international routes, particularly those connecting India with the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Air India Express has announced an upgrade to its standard international checked baggage allowance. This enhancement will see the allowance increased to a generous 30kg.
This decision is specifically designed to cater to the significant Indian diaspora residing and working in the GCC region. The increased baggage capacity addresses a common need for passengers traveling between these heavily trafficked corridors, allowing them to carry more personal belongings and gifts.
Air India Express looks to double fleet by year-end 2027
11 December 2024CEO Aloke Singh has outlined ambitious expansion plans for Air India Express, aiming to significantly increase its fleet size. The airline targets reaching a total of 175 aircraft within the next three years, signaling a period of aggressive growth and market penetration.
This expansion will involve the acquisition of a mix of new Boeing 737 MAX jets, known for their fuel efficiency and modern amenities, as well as the transfer of Airbus A320s from its parent company, Air India. The airline plans to add approximately 85 aircraft, with a strong focus on enhancing connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities within India, alongside its international network.
The ongoing integration with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating Air India Express's profitability and operational scale, streamlining processes and expanding its route network more efficiently.
Air India Express introduces four new fare family products on all new aircraft
15 March 2024Air India Express has revolutionized its low-cost carrier (LCC) model by unveiling a new four-tier fare system: Xpress Lite, Xpress Value, Xpress Flex, and Xpress Biz. This innovative approach offers passengers greater flexibility and choice, moving beyond the traditional single-fare LCC structure.
A standout feature of this new system is the introduction of the 'Xpress Biz' class, available on its newer Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. This premium cabin disrupts conventional budget airline standards by offering spacious recliner seats with an impressive pitch of up to 58 inches, providing a business-class style experience with complimentary meals and enhanced services.
The 'Xpress Lite' fare caters to budget-conscious travelers, offering a hand-baggage-only option for those seeking the lowest possible price. Meanwhile, 'Xpress Value' and 'Xpress Flex' provide varying levels of checked baggage allowance and flexibility for changes, ensuring a suitable option for diverse passenger needs.
Airline Bookings
| Booking | Book your Air India Express flights conveniently on Flyin.com. Our platform offers a seamless booking experience, allowing you to compare fares and secure your tickets with ease. |
| Prices | Flyin.com provides competitive prices for Air India Express flights. Take advantage of our deals and find the best value for your travel across the GCC and India. |
| Discounts | Look out for exclusive discounts and promotions on Air India Express flights when booking through Flyin.com. Air India Express also offers discounts for senior citizens, students, and armed forces personnel. |
| Tickets | Purchase your Air India Express tickets on Flyin.com. We ensure a secure transaction and provide all necessary flight details for a smooth journey with Air India Express. |
Airline Awards
2024
4-Star Low-Cost Airline Certification Awarded by Skytrax for its commitment to quality and service in the low-cost segment.
2024
IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certification Received certification from IOSA, demonstrating adherence to international operational safety standards.
Air India Express Highlights
Airline Information
| IATA Code | IX |
| ICAO Code | AXB |
| Main Company | Air India Express |
| Company Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Number of destinations | 62 |
| Year of operation | 2005 |
| Slogan | N/A |
| Alliances | None |
| Customer Service Number | N/A |
| Key Fact | India's first international budget airline, specializing in routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. |
| Key Fact | Fully owned by the Tata Group following a historic privatization in 2022. |
| Key Fact | Recently merged with AIX Connect (AirAsia India) to consolidate operations. |
| Key Fact | Operates a mixed, rapidly expanding fleet of Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. |
| Key Fact | ECR passport holders bound for the UAE require mandatory 'OK TO BOARD' clearance. |
Popular Air India Express Destinations
Air India Express connects India with 62 destinations across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, offering extensive reach for both leisure and business travelers. The airline is a vital link for the Indian diaspora, providing direct flights to major hubs in the GCC.
DubaiAbu DhabiJeddahRiyadhDohaKuwait CityMangaluruKochiKozhikodeMumbaiDelhiFrequently Asked Questions About Air India Express
No, Air India Express operates as an independent low-cost carrier and is not formally part of any major airline alliance. However, its parent company, Air India, is a member of the Star Alliance network, which may offer future integration possibilities for loyalty benefits.
All Air India Express passengers receive a 7 kg hand baggage allowance. For checked baggage, the allowance varies by fare type: Xpress Lite includes 0 kg, Xpress Value and Flex fares include 15 kg for domestic flights or 30 kg for international routes, and Xpress Biz passengers enjoy a generous 25 kg domestically or 40 kg on international flights.
Web check-in for Air India Express flights opens 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure. It closes 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 2 hours before for international flights. Airport check-in counters typically open 3 hours before the flight's scheduled departure.
Yes, Air India Express is Certified as a 4-Star Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax, reflecting its commitment to quality and service. It is highly regarded for providing affordable connectivity to the GCC, offering generous international baggage allowances, and featuring new aircraft equipped with premium seating (Xpress Biz) and Wi-Fi streaming entertainment.
Air India Express offers an economy class with three fare tiers: Xpress Lite (hand-baggage only), Xpress Value (standard checked baggage), and Xpress Flex (flexible changes and free seat selection). On its newest Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, it also provides 'Xpress Biz', a premium cabin featuring wider recliner seats with up to a 58-inch pitch and complimentary meals.
Yes, Air India Express has an extensive network across the GCC region. It operates numerous direct flights to major cities including Dubai (Terminal 2), Abu Dhabi (Terminal A), Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait City from various Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India.
Air India Express offers a full refund for tickets canceled within 24 hours of booking, provided the flight is at least 7 days away. Beyond this, standard fares (Lite/Value) incur varying cancellation fees. Xpress Flex and Biz fares offer more flexibility, permitting unlimited free flight changes up to 3 days before departure, though fare differences may still apply.
Yes, Air India Express provides a 6% base fare discount for senior citizens (aged 60 and above) and students (aged 12 and above). Additionally, armed forces personnel and their dependents can receive up to a 50% discount on base fares, making travel more accessible for these groups.
Air India Express offers the 'Vista Stream' wireless in-flight entertainment system. Passengers can use their personal devices (smartphones, tablets) to stream a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music via a local wireless network. The system also allows passengers to access flight information and browse onboard retail products.
Air India Express Historical Milestones
Commencement of Operations
Founded and commenced operations on April 29 as the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, focusing on Middle East routes.
Acquisition by Tata Group
The Tata Group successfully completed the acquisition of Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, from the Indian government.
Operational Merger with AIX Connect
Initiated the operational merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) to streamline and consolidate airline operations.
Rebranding and Xpress Biz Launch
Unveiled a new livery, rebranded the airline, and introduced the hybrid 'Xpress Biz' premium cabin on its new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
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