Air India Express Set to Operate from All Delhi-NCR Airports This Summer
Air India Express, the low-cost carrier owned by Tata Group, is preparing to operate from all three major airports in the Delhi-NCR region this summer, offering more convenience and connectivity for passengers. In a significant move, the airline will expand its network to include the new Noida International Airport, which is set to open in the coming months.
The airline’s expansion plans include new direct services between Hindon (Ghaziabad) and key destinations like Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata, starting from March 1, 2025. This move comes as part of Air India Express’ broader strategy to serve a larger catchment area in the Delhi-NCR region. While Hindon Airport will be operational first, the airline is also preparing to launch services from Noida International Airport once it begins commercial operations, expected to be around April 30, 2025. “We want to be present at the upcoming Noida International Airport from Day One,” an insider shared. Air India Express currently operates a fleet of around 100 aircraft, with 15 more Boeing 737 MAX planes expected to join this year. This will enable the airline to offer more flights across multiple airports within the Delhi-NCR region, including Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Hindon, and Greater Noida. These three airports cater to different areas of the region, allowing Air India Express to expand its reach and provide more options to travellers.
With competition in the aviation sector intensifying, Air India Express is the first major airline to announce its plans to fly from Hindon, a move that will increase the availability of budget-friendly flight options for passengers. Hindon, a smaller airport primarily catering to low-cost carriers, is expected to alleviate pressure on IGIA, which has been operating at peak capacity. Officials from the Noida International Airport (NIA) have confirmed that they are steadily progressing towards operational readiness. A spokesperson for the airport said, “The successful validation flight marked a key milestone, and we are now working closely with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on the necessary licensing processes. Construction of the passenger terminal and associated infrastructure is progressing steadily.”
The NIA is working with the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) to review the capital expenditure (capex) plans for the airport, which will help determine tariffs for airlines. While ticket sales for Noida International Airport are expected to begin in February or March, there could be a temporary ad hoc order for tariffs to allow airlines to set airfares and charge user fees (UDF) for the airport operator. This expansion by Air India Express, along with the opening of Noida International Airport, is expected to benefit passengers by providing them with more options for air travel, particularly for those in the rapidly growing Noida and Greater Noida areas. The availability of budget-friendly flights from multiple airports will make air travel more accessible and affordable for residents of Delhi-NCR.
The upcoming changes will also ease congestion at Delhi’s busiest airport, IGIA, by diverting some flights to Hindon and Noida airports. This will not only provide relief to travellers but also improve operational efficiency across the region’s aviation infrastructure. As the opening of the Noida International Airport draws closer, passengers can look forward to enhanced connectivity, more flight options, and a more competitive aviation market in the Delhi-NCR region. With new routes and expanded services, Air India Express is poised to be a key player in the evolving landscape of India’s air travel industry.
