After June’s deadly crash in Bengaluru cast a long shadow over its operations of Air India , its low cost subsidiary, Air India Express is in expansion mode, signalling a robust revival with the addition of three new cities to its network — Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. From September 1, 2025, the airline will connect Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to its Bengaluru hub with twice-daily flights, while Dehradun will join the network from September 15 with daily services. The additions will take the carrier’s footprint to 41 domestic and 17 international destinations, its largest network to date. The low-cost arm of Air India, now operating a fleet of 116 aircraft, is positioning itself as India’s fastest-growing airline. The expansion marks a turnaround from the turbulence that followed the Bengaluru crash, in which dozens lost their lives, sparking safety concerns and operational reviews. Industry analysts say the carrier’s rapid return to growth reflects both a strategic push by the Tata Group and increased post-pandemic demand for domestic and regional connectivity.
“With our fleet now exceeding 115 aircraft, we continue to build a robust network focusing on connectivity between metros and emerging cities,” said Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh. He promised passengers “a warm, reliable flying experience” with enhanced in-flight services and competitive fares, starting from ₹4,100. The new routes cater to both business and leisure travellers: Ahmedabad offers a gateway to Gujarat’s industrial heartland and cultural heritage; Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states and a symbol of post-independence modernism; and Dehradun opens direct access to Uttarakhand’s spiritual centres and Himalayan trekking circuits. Air India Express is also betting on its ‘Xpress Holidays’ platform to drive ancillary revenue, offering bundled packages of flights, hotels, and local experiences. The airline’s fleet features the Tales of India livery, with each aircraft showcasing designs inspired by regional crafts such as Gujarat’s Bandhani, Punjab’s Phulkari, and Uttarakhand’s Aipan art — a branding strategy aimed at deepening its cultural connection with passengers.
From Bengaluru alone, Air India Express now operates over 405 weekly flights to 34 domestic and three international destinations, with one-stop connections to an additional 19 cities worldwide. For survivors and families affected by the Bengaluru crash, the expansion is a poignant reminder of how far the airline has come. For the company, it’s a calculated step towards reclaiming market share and restoring public trust — a journey from tragedy to transformation that continues to play out in India’s highly competitive aviation market.
