BENGALURU: Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of the Tata Group, is scaling up its operations with a strategic expansion of domestic and international routes, focusing on key South Indian cities like Trichy and Bengaluru. The airline’s robust expansion is set to offer enhanced connectivity to passengers, reflecting its commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel options across India and beyond.
Over recent months, Trichy (Tiruchirappalli) has emerged as an important hub for Air India Express, connecting the region with essential domestic and international routes. Currently, the airline operates daily flights to Chennai, as well as four weekly flights to Mumbai and two weekly flights to Bengaluru.
From June 1, 2025, the airline will introduce two new daily flights from Trichy: one to Hyderabad and another to Bengaluru. The Hyderabad route marks a new domestic addition for the airline, while the increased frequency to Bengaluru—rising from two to nine weekly flights—reflects the growing demand for connectivity between these key destinations.
These enhancements will more than double Air India Express’s domestic flight capacity from Trichy, making it easier for travelers to connect within India. By the time these new flights launch, the airline will operate 27 weekly domestic flights from Trichy alone, solidifying its position as a major player in regional air travel.
Additionally, Air India Express already operates several international flights from Trichy, serving key destinations in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, including Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait City, Muscat, and Sharjah. These flights are crucial for the large expatriate population from Tamil Nadu working in the Gulf region, offering a budget-friendly alternative to other carriers like IndiGo, which currently holds a monopoly on many of these routes.
Air India Express is also turning its focus toward Bengaluru, its largest hub. The airline will introduce daily flights to Kathmandu and twice-daily services to Kochi, further expanding its network from the southern metro. These additions are designed to improve connectivity both within India and with international destinations.
This expansion is a clear response to the growing competition in India’s budget travel sector, especially from IndiGo, which has historically dominated many of these routes. Air India Express’s increased flight frequency, along with a growing fleet of Boeing 737-8 aircraft, allows the airline to offer more travel options, effectively positioning it as a strong competitor in the budget airline market.
The airline’s focus on regional connectivity is aligned with the overall growth of low-cost aviation in India, providing affordable travel options for millions. With an increasing number of routes and destinations, Air India Express continues to offer more choices for both domestic and international passengers.
In conclusion, Air India Express’s expanding operations from Bengaluru and Trichy signify the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger convenience and further strengthening its competitive edge in the evolving Indian aviation market. As the airline continues to grow, passengers can expect even more flight options and connectivity in the coming months.
