Air India Express has significantly bolstered its international flight network with the introduction of a new daily direct service connecting Bengaluru and Kathmandu, effective June 1.
This strategic expansion is set to enhance the airline’s footprint in the short-haul international leisure travel segment, offering seamless connectivity and competitively priced fares, thereby contributing to the growth of more interconnected and accessible urban centres. The newly launched flight is strategically scheduled to depart Bengaluru at an early hour, 5:05 AM, ensuring maximum convenience for travellers seeking to maximise their time in the Nepalese capital. The return journey from Kathmandu is slated for 9:05 AM. Bookings for this new route have already been made available across all major platforms, including the airline’s official website, reflecting the readiness to cater to anticipated demand.
With starting fares competitively positioned at ₹8,000, Air India Express is aiming to attract a broad spectrum of budget-conscious leisure and business travellers. Aloke Singh, the Managing Director of Air India Express, highlighted the strategic importance of this new route, noting in a press release, “The new route builds on our recent expansion into short-haul international leisure destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket.” This statement underscores the airline’s systematic approach to network enhancement, focusing on popular leisure destinations to diversify its offerings and cater to evolving passenger preferences. This expansion is crucial for building resilient urban travel ecosystems that balance economic growth with sustainable and equitable access to global destinations.
A key aspect of this new Bengaluru-Kathmandu service is its role in broadening connectivity beyond India’s immediate borders. Air India Express has announced that the flight will also facilitate convenient one-stop connections for passengers travelling from Abu Dhabi and Dammam. This initiative is integral to the airline’s broader strategy of providing seamless travel options, allowing customers to reach their desired international destinations without the inconvenience of multiple layovers. Such multi-city connections are vital for fostering gender-neutral travel opportunities and ensuring accessibility for all segments of society.
Furthermore, domestic passengers travelling to Kathmandu from India will benefit from enhanced seamless one-stop connectivity through Bengaluru. This includes linkages from a wide array of Indian cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Pune, Srinagar, and Visakhapatnam, among others. This development is poised to significantly simplify travel plans for countless passengers, providing a straightforward and efficient route to the Nepalese capital, and strengthening regional economic and cultural ties. Air India Express currently operates an extensive network of over 450 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting directly to 31 destinations. The introduction of the Kathmandu route further cements the airline’s position as a significant player in the region’s aviation sector, offering diversified and attractive route options. To mark the launch, special inaugural fares have been introduced, starting at ₹8,000 for Xpress Lite and ₹8,500 for Xpress Value, making this new international route an even more compelling choice for travellers prioritizing both affordability and convenience.
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