Air India Express has expanded its network with the launch of direct flights connecting Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to Bengaluru, aiming to strengthen passenger convenience while enhancing the city’s position as a leading aviation hub. The new services, which commenced this week, are designed to provide seamless travel for both business and leisure passengers.
According to airline officials, the Bengaluru–Ahmedabad route will initially operate daily and increase to twice-daily services from mid-September. Similarly, Chandigarh will now see twice-daily flights to Bengaluru, offering much-needed capacity on one of the busiest domestic sectors. These additions are also expected to alleviate pressure during peak demand seasons, particularly festivals and business travel months. The expansion aligns with the airline’s larger strategy of consolidating Bengaluru as its primary domestic hub. Currently, the carrier operates more than 400 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting 34 cities across India, alongside select international destinations. With the new links from Ahmedabad and Chandigarh, the network promises improved access to over two dozen domestic points and international connections, including Kathmandu.
Airline experts have highlighted that the routes not only bridge state capitals and metro centres but also serve the broader goal of improving sustainable connectivity. Officials added that the deployment of fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft for these services is part of the company’s plan to reduce its operational carbon footprint, complementing efforts to build greener and more efficient air corridors. The inaugural flights were marked by ceremonial events at both Ahmedabad and Chandigarh airports, underscoring the symbolic significance of the expansion. Passengers on the first services were presented with commemorative tokens, reflecting the airline’s branding initiative, which includes aircraft liveries inspired by regional art forms. The aircraft deployed on the Chandigarh route featured artwork inspired by Punjab’s traditional textile heritage, a design element tied to the airline’s ongoing “Tales of India” project that showcases local artistry.
For passengers, the services come with multiple fare options, including a cabin-bag-only model, alongside on-board meal choices and upgraded seating features. The move is seen as a bid to improve affordability while retaining service quality, particularly at a time when competition in the Indian aviation sector is intensifying. Industry watchers suggest that this expansion is a positive step for regional air travel, as enhanced connectivity to Bengaluru could help decentralise traffic flows away from Mumbai and Delhi, thereby reducing travel congestion and improving access to southern India. While the immediate impact is centred around passenger convenience, the broader implication is a strengthened national aviation network better aligned with sustainability and efficiency goals.
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