GURUGRAM- Tata Group-backed low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express (IX) has scheduled a major network expansion from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, launching direct flights to three new destinations in January 2025.
The low-cost carrier will introduce non-stop services connecting Bhubaneswar to Jaipur (JAI), Kochi (COK), and Lucknow (LKO), strengthening its domestic route network from Eastern India. The expansion marks Air India Express’s strategic push to enhance connectivity from Bhubaneswar, as flagged by AviationAll sources on X.
Air India Express Bhubaneshwar Expansion
The airline will also increase its frequency to Kolkata (CCU) by adding a third daily flight, responding to growing passenger demand on this crucial route.
These new routes elevate Bhubaneswar’s direct connectivity to ten cities, establishing the airport as a significant regional hub.
New Lucknow Service
Starting January 4, 2025, Air India Express launches tri-weekly flights between Bhubaneswar and Lucknow.
- Flight IX2801 departs Bhubaneswar at 0755 hours, landing in Lucknow at 0940 hours.
- The return flight, IX2802, takes off from Lucknow at 1115 hours, reaching Bhubaneswar at 1305 hours.
- Boeing 737-8 aircraft will service this route.
Jaipur Connection
The Bhubaneswar-Jaipur service commences on January 3, 2025, operating four times weekly.
- Flight IX2801 departs Bhubaneswar at 0755 hours, arriving in Jaipur at 1015 hours.
- The return flight, IX2802, leaves Jaipur at 1045 hours, landing in Bhubaneswar at 1305 hours.
- This route also utilizes Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
The Kerala Route
Air India Express will inaugurate daily flights between Bhubaneswar and Kochi starting January 3, 2025, strengthening connectivity between Eastern and Southern India.
Flight Schedule Details:
- Flight IX1596 departs Bhubaneswar at 1510 hours, arriving in Kochi at 1740 hours
- Return flight IX1597 leaves Kochi at 1810 hours, reaching Bhubaneswar at 2150 hours
- The route will operate using Airbus A320 aircraft
Kolkata-Bhubaneswar Route Enhancement
The airline has increased its Kolkata service to thrice daily starting January 3, 2025.
- Flight IX1596 departs Kolkata at 1330 hours, reaching Bhubaneswar at 1440 hours.
- The return flight, IX1597, leaves Bhubaneswar at 2125 hours, arriving in Kolkata at 2250 hours.
Strengthening NorthEast India Network
Air India Express has launched an extensive expansion of its winter flight operations across three northeastern cities – Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala, marking a significant enhancement in regional connectivity.
The airline has escalated Guwahati’s weekly flights to 106, up from 63 flights in the previous winter schedule. Guwahati now connects directly to eight major cities: Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, and Agartala. The network expansion includes one-stop connections to six international destinations and 18 domestic locations.
Imphal’s operations have more than doubled to 34 weekly flights from last winter’s 14. Agartala, introduced as a new station in September 2024, operates 21 weekly flights, increasing from 14. The city maintains direct routes to Kolkata and Guwahati, offering one-stop connectivity to 11 additional domestic destinations.
Chief Commercial Officer Ankur Garg emphasizes this expansion’s role in establishing Guwahati as a pivotal connection between Northeast India and the nation’s other regions.
The Tata Group-integrated carrier has initiated a strategic fleet reconfiguration plan. By 2025, Air India Express will transition to an all-economy configuration, removing business class seats to optimize its narrow-body aircraft capacity and serve budget-conscious travelers.
The airline has expanded its fleet to over 90 aircraft, positioning itself to serve India’s emerging cities and their growing aviation demands.
All Photos by Harsh Tekriwal | avgeekwithlens
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