Air India Express
Air India Express is an Indian low-cost airline linking southern India and Mumbai with destinations across the Gulf, using Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
About Air India Express
Air India Express was established by Air India and began operations in 2005, initially serving as the group’s low-cost airline for international routes from India. It is wholly owned by Air India, which is part of the Tata Group. The carrier uses the Air India Express name and IX airline code, with a business model focused on competitively priced, short- and medium-haul travel rather than the broader full-service offering of its parent airline.
The airline serves 21 destinations across nine countries through a network of 80 routes. Kozhikode is its busiest departure hub by route count, followed by Kochi, Dubai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai. The network is particularly important for travel between southern India and Gulf markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. Domestic and international services also link cities such as Chennai, Mangalore and Tiruchirappalli.
Air India Express operates Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 narrow-body aircraft. These single-aisle types are well suited to the airline’s domestic services and medium-haul Gulf routes. The onboard product is primarily economy-focused, in keeping with its low-cost model. Fare inclusions can vary, and travellers may need to pay separately for services such as preferred seating, additional baggage or meals, depending on the ticket selected.
Air India Express is not itself a member of Star Alliance, Oneworld or SkyTeam, although its parent airline, Air India, is a Star Alliance member. Eligible Air India Express bookings can participate in Air India’s Maharaja Club under the programme’s current earning and redemption rules. Travellers should enter their membership details correctly when booking and confirm that their chosen fare and flight qualify for points or tier benefits.
A major strength of Air India Express is its concentration on routes connecting southern Indian communities with major Gulf cities, including several links that bypass India’s largest northern hubs. This can make journeys more direct for migrant workers, families and leisure travellers. The trade-off is a relatively streamlined service: baggage, meals, seat selection and ticket flexibility should be checked carefully, while irregular operations may offer fewer same-day alternatives on routes with limited frequencies.
Good to know
Flying with Air India Express — what to expect
Review Fare Inclusions
Air India Express fares may differ in their baggage, meal, seat-selection and change provisions. Compare the full package and optional charges before choosing the lowest displayed fare.
Check Cabin Baggage
Carry-on items must comply with the weight, size and quantity limits shown for the booking. Confirm the current allowance before departure because excess or oversized baggage may need to be checked.
Prebook Your Meal
Complimentary food should not be assumed on a low-cost fare. Pre-order a meal when booking or managing the trip if you want a specific onboard option.
Strong Gulf Network
The airline is particularly useful for nonstop travel between southern Indian cities and Gulf destinations. Frequencies vary by route, so allow extra flexibility when booking an important connection.
Allow Connection Time
Kozhikode and Kochi are major departure points, but Air India Express does not concentrate every route at one connecting hub. Leave a generous transfer window and verify baggage arrangements, especially when tickets are booked separately.
Add Loyalty Details
Eligible flights can earn Maharaja Club rewards under the programme’s applicable rules. Add your membership number during booking and retain travel documents until any expected points have posted.
Network overview
Where Air India Express flies
Air India Express operates 80 routes to 21 destinations across 9 countries, its longest sector reaching Kochi to Kuwait City (3,636 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Air India Express flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Kochi → Kuwait City
3,636 km · COK → KWI
The longest sector in the Air India Express network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air India Express
Tracked Air India Express routes touch Qatar, Oman, India.
More from India
Other airlines based in India
FAQ
Air India Express — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Air India Express permits cabin baggage subject to the size, weight and item limits attached to the booking. Check the current allowance on the airline’s website or itinerary because conditions can vary and oversized items may need to be checked.
- Air India Express links Indian cities with destinations across nine countries, with a strong emphasis on Gulf travel. Its network includes Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Muscat, Manama, Kuwait City, Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Chennai and Mangalore.
- Kozhikode is Air India Express’s busiest departure hub by number of routes. Kochi is another major base, followed by substantial operations from Dubai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Air India Express serves exactly 21 destinations across nine countries. Its network comprises 80 routes.
- The busiest departure hubs by number of routes are Kozhikode, Kochi, Dubai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai, in that order. These airports anchor much of the airline’s India-Gulf network.
- Tickets are generally more affordable when booked early and outside school holidays, major festivals and peak travel periods between India and the Gulf. Compare several departure dates and include optional baggage, meals and seating when assessing the final price.
- Air India Express’s longest route is Kochi to Kuwait City, covering about 3,636 km nonstop. Schedules and operating days should be confirmed when booking.