Air India Express will expand its domestic network from September 1, 2025, adding Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Dehradun to its map with new daily services to and from Bengaluru. The move is part of the airline’s plan to strengthen point-to-point connectivity between major metros and fast-growing tier-2 cities.

New routes are as follows -

  • Ahmedabad ⇄ Bengaluru: 2 flights daily
  • Chandigarh ⇄ Bengaluru: 2 flights daily
  • Dehradun ⇄ Bengaluru: 1 flight daily

All flights will operate both ways every day, offering morning and evening options on the higher-frequency routes to help business and leisure travellers plan same-day or short trips. Ticket sales have opened on the Air India Express website and across other booking channels, with introductory fares from INR 4,100 (limited seats).

Calling the expansion a logical next step as the carrier scales up, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said the airline is focused on strengthening links between large metros and high-potential regional markets. Paraphrasing his remarks from the announcement. “With the fleet now above 115 aircraft, Air India Express is building a robust network that balances value and comfort. Customers can expect a warm and dependable experience with hot meals, comfortable seating, and fare options designed for different travel needs. The new destinations are part of a broader strategy to unlock opportunities in promising city pairs.”

The airline also highlighted that it now operates a fleet of 116 aircraft, positioning itself as India’s fastest-growing low-cost carrier.

Why Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Dehradun?

  • Ahmedabad adds a strong business and diaspora market to the Bengaluru hub. The double-daily schedule improves connectivity for technology, startup and manufacturing travellers moving between Gujarat and Karnataka.
  • Chandigarh opens up convenient access between the IT capital and the wider Tri-City region (Chandigarh–Mohali–Panchkula), supporting corporate, government and education travel.
  • Dehradun provides a daily link to a key education, tourism and services centre in Uttarakhand, offering better options for students, leisure travellers and visiting families.

Air India Express says customers on the new routes will have daily, two-way schedules, with multiple choices on the Ahmedabad and Chandigarh routes, with an introductory fare of INR 4,100

Bengaluru is a key growth hub for Indian aviation, driven by the city’s IT services, startups and global corporate presence. More non-stops from tier-2 markets to Bengaluru reduce the need for travellers to connect via other metros, saving time and improving reliability, especially important for business travellers and students who prefer short, direct flights.

The higher frequency on Ahmedabad and Chandigarh routes suggests the airline expects consistent, year-round demand, while the daily Dehradun service creates a stable baseline that can be adjusted as the market develops.

Tickets for all three routes are on sale now. The first flights are scheduled to start on September 1, 2025, subject to usual regulatory and operational clearances. Travellers can book on the Air India Express website/app, travel portals, and offline agents.