Air India Express to launch direct Agartala–Bagdogra flights from October 26

In a major boost to regional air connectivity in India’s Northeast, Air India Express is set to launch a direct flight service between Agartala and Bagdogra starting October 26, coinciding with the commencement of the winter flight schedule. The new route is expected to enhance access to North Bengal’s popular hill destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, and Sikkim, while offering residents of Tripura a faster and more convenient travel option.

According to airline sources, the route will be operated using a 180-seater Boeing aircraft with daily frequency. The flight will depart from Bagdogra at 4:30 pm and arrive in Agartala at 5:40 pm, while the return leg will take off from Agartala at 6:10 pm and land back in Bagdogra at 7:20 pm.

Bookings for the new service are now open, with Air India Express reportedly keeping fares affordable to attract families and leisure travellers. The move is particularly timely, coming just before the festive and holiday season, when demand for travel to scenic destinations like Darjeeling and Sikkim peaks.

Industry observers note that this new connection not only opens up tourism opportunities but also supports trade and cultural exchanges between Tripura and North Bengal, two key regions of Northeast India.

To facilitate the launch of this new route, Air India Express will temporarily suspend its Agartala–Guwahati service. However, connectivity between these two northeastern capitals will remain uninterrupted, as IndiGo and Akasa Air continue to operate regular flights on the Agartala–Guwahati route.

Speaking about the development, Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport Manager KC Bina said, “Both IndiGo and Akasa Air are already operating regular flights on the Agartala–Guwahati route. Hence, we decided to reassign the aircraft to launch the new Agartala–Bagdogra connection. This will not affect connectivity between Agartala and Guwahati.”

With this strategic launch, Air India Express is effectively establishing a new air bridge connecting the western and eastern ends of Northeast India. For passengers from Tripura, this means shorter travel times and easier access to some of India’s most sought-after mountain destinations.

Travellers can now fly directly from Agartala to Bagdogra and drive to the Himalayan foothills in just a few hours, making weekend getaways and business trips to the region far more convenient.

Tourism stakeholders across Tripura have welcomed the initiative. Many believe that improved connectivity will give a significant push to domestic tourism, particularly by encouraging travellers from other parts of India to explore lesser-known destinations in the Northeast.

Tour operators and hospitality players have expressed optimism that the new air route will stimulate local economies in both Tripura and North Bengal.

Regional travel experts say this is part of Air India Express’s broader strategy to expand its domestic footprint and strengthen its presence in India’s emerging aviation markets, especially as the airline integrates operations with AirAsia India and prepares for fleet expansion in the coming year.

The new route further supports the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) initiative, aimed at improving air connectivity to underserved regions. For the Northeast, where road travel can be long and challenging, such routes play a critical role in economic integration and accessibility.

With growing infrastructure and passenger demand, the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala is fast emerging as an important aviation hub in the eastern corridor. The addition of the Agartala–Bagdogra service underlines the region’s increasing importance in India’s civil aviation network.

As Air India Express continues to expand its domestic and regional network, the launch of the Agartala–Bagdogra flight represents more than just a new route; it reflects a strategic realignment of India’s regional air services to match changing passenger demand.

With improved connectivity, shorter travel times, and affordable fares, the airline’s move is expected to encourage more people to travel within the Northeast and beyond, fuelling both tourism and regional growth.

For travellers in Tripura, the skies just got a little closer to the Himalayas.