Alliance Air
India's government-owned regional airline, linking major hubs with smaller cities through a predominantly turboprop-operated domestic network.
About Alliance Air
Alliance Air is an Indian regional carrier that began operations in 1996, originally as a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines and later under Air India. Following Air India's privatisation, the airline remained in government ownership through AI Assets Holding Limited. It now operates under Alliance Air Aviation Limited and uses the IATA code 9I. The supplied Thai Sky Airlines identity and website do not correspond to the operating Indian carrier.
Delhi is Alliance Air's principal hub and the most important connecting point in its network. The airline also operates from regional bases and major airports including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai. Its schedule concentrates on domestic services, particularly links between metropolitan gateways and smaller or underserved Indian cities. Some routes are operated under the Indian government's regional-connectivity programme, while limited international regional services may appear in the timetable.
Alliance Air relies mainly on ATR turboprop aircraft, including ATR 72 and smaller ATR 42 models suited to short sectors and airports with modest demand. It has also operated Indian-built Dornier 228 aircraft on selected regional routes. Flights generally use a single economy-class cabin rather than separate business and economy sections. Catering, baggage allowances and other inclusions depend on the fare and route, so passengers should review their booking conditions carefully.
Alliance Air is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Although its historical relationship with Air India may still cause confusion, it is operationally separate from the privatised flag carrier. Alliance Air does not currently market a widely established frequent-flyer programme of its own, and travellers should not assume that flights automatically earn Air India Maharaja Club points or provide Air India status benefits.
The airline's principal strength is its access to regional communities that may have few nonstop alternatives, sometimes avoiding a long surface journey or an indirect connection. The trade-off is that a relatively small fleet and the operational constraints of regional flying can leave fewer recovery options when schedules are disrupted. Routes and frequencies can also change with seasonal demand or government-supported agreements, making a current timetable check especially important.
Good to know
Flying with Alliance Air — what to expect
Regional Turboprop Flights
Most services use ATR turboprops, which are well suited to short regional routes but have smaller cabins and overhead bins than typical jet aircraft.
Check Baggage Terms
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements can vary by fare and route. Confirm the allowance shown on your ticket, especially when carrying a large cabin bag.
Limited Rebooking Options
Some destinations have only a small number of weekly flights. Allow extra connection time and consider flexible plans because same-day alternatives may be limited after disruption.
Separate From Air India
Alliance Air is no longer part of the privatised Air India group. Do not assume that Air India lounge access, through-checking or loyalty benefits apply unless your booking explicitly confirms them.
Verify Airport Details
Regional airports may offer fewer shops, lounges and ground-transport choices than major hubs. Check terminal information and onward travel arrangements before departure.
Schedule Changes
Regional routes and frequencies may change seasonally or under connectivity agreements. Reconfirm the flight time directly with the airline before travelling to the airport.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Alliance Air
Notable destinations on Alliance Air's network.
9IDelhidirect9IBengalurudirect9IHyderabaddirect9IChennaidirect9IKolkatadirect9IMumbaidirect9IJaipurdirect9ILucknowdirect9IAhmedabaddirect9IGuwahatidirect9IKochidirect9IBhubaneswardirectDestination list is indicative of Alliance Air's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Alliance Air — 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
- Alliance Air permits cabin baggage subject to the limits stated for the booked fare and aircraft. Because its turboprops have compact overhead bins, passengers should check the current allowance and be prepared for larger bags to be placed in the hold.
- Delhi is the airline's leading departure point, while Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai are also important operating airports. The busiest origin for a particular journey depends on the regional network and season.
- Alliance Air serves dozens of destinations, but the total varies as regional routes and frequencies are added, suspended or adjusted. The airline's current booking system provides the most reliable network count.
- The answer can change as Alliance Air revises its regional schedule, and the carrier does not consistently identify one service as its longest route. Compare the current timetable and scheduled flight durations for the latest network.
- Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is Alliance Air's primary hub and its most important connecting point. The carrier also operates services from other major Indian airports.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices it displays.
- Alliance Air primarily serves domestic destinations across India, connecting major gateways such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata with smaller regional cities. Its network changes periodically, so travellers should consult the current timetable.
- Lower fares are generally easier to find when booking early, travelling outside holiday periods and remaining flexible about the day of departure. Prices can rise when a regional route has limited frequency or few alternative carriers.