Air India Express

Air India Express (ICAO: AXB) is an Indian low-cost airline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, which is part of the Tata Group. The airline was inaugurated on April 29, 2005, as a budget carrier to cater to the demand for affordable short-haul international flights, primarily connecting Indian expatriate communities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. A significant development occurred on October 1, 2024, when AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) merged with Air India Express, further consolidating its operations.

The airline operates from primary operational hubs and bases that include Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, along with key focus cities such as Kochi, Kozhikode, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchirappalli. Its international hubs are concentrated in the Gulf region, notably Dammam, Dubai, and Sharjah. As of November 2025, Air India Express boasts a fleet of 115 modern aircraft, comprising 75 Boeing 737s (including Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 737-800) and 40 Airbus A320s (including Airbus A320neo and A320ceo). The airline has ambitious plans to expand its fleet to 170 aircraft within five years.

Air India Express has an extensive route network, serving 43 domestic destinations across India and 17 international destinations in 10 countries as of November 2025. The airline emphasizes connectivity from tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities to major hubs and international locations, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. While its parent company, Air India, is a member of the Star Alliance, Air India Express is not a full member but was expected to join as a "connecting partner." As a low-cost carrier, Air India Express primarily offers an Economy Class cabin, but provides a varied fare family including Xpress Lite (cabin baggage only), Xpress Value (15 kg check-in baggage), Xpress Flex (unlimited changes), and Xpress Biz. The Xpress Biz offering, available on newer Boeing 737-8 aircraft, features premium recliner seats with generous pitch, no middle seats, complimentary "Gourmair" hot meals, and priority services such as check-in, baggage, and boarding.