Air India Express Launches Three New Routes from Bhubaneshwar

Air India Express Expands Network from Bhubaneswar to New Destinations in 2025

GURUGRAM – Air India Express (IX), the low-cost airline backed by Tata Group, is set to significantly expand its network from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar. Starting in January 2025, the airline will launch direct flights to three new destinations: Jaipur, Kochi, and Lucknow, enhancing its domestic route offerings from Eastern India.

This strategic expansion aims to improve connectivity from Bhubaneswar, as confirmed by various aviation sources on X. By introducing these new routes, Air India Express is positioning Bhubaneswar as a key regional hub.

Air India Express Bhubaneswar Expansion

In addition to the new routes, Air India Express will also increase its frequency on the Kolkata route, adding a third daily flight in response to rising passenger demand.

• New direct routes will elevate Bhubaneswar’s connectivity to ten cities.
• Flight frequency to Kolkata increases, enhancing travel options for passengers.

New Lucknow Service

Beginning January 4, 2025, Air India Express will operate tri-weekly flights between Bhubaneswar and Lucknow.

• Flight IX2801 departs Bhubaneswar at 07:55 AM, arriving in Lucknow at 09:40 AM.
• The return flight, IX2802, leaves Lucknow at 11:15 AM, reaching Bhubaneswar at 01:05 PM.
• All flights will be serviced by Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

Jaipur Connection

The Bhubaneswar-Jaipur service will commence on January 3, 2025, operating four times a week.

• Flight IX2801 departs Bhubaneswar at 07:55 AM, landing in Jaipur at 10:15 AM.
• The return flight, IX2802, leaves Jaipur at 10:45 AM and arrives in Bhubaneswar at 01:05 PM.
• This route will also utilize Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

The Kerala Route

Air India Express is set to launch daily flights between Bhubaneswar and Kochi starting January 3, 2025.

• Flight IX1596 departs Bhubaneswar at 03:10 PM, arriving in Kochi at 05:40 PM.
• The return flight, IX1597, leaves Kochi at 06:10 PM, reaching Bhubaneswar at 09:50 PM.
• This route will operate using Airbus A320 aircraft.

Kolkata-Bhubaneswar Route Enhancement

The airline is increasing its Kolkata service to three flights daily beginning January 3, 2025.

• Flight IX1596 departs Kolkata at 01:30 PM, landing in Bhubaneswar at 02:40 PM.
• The return flight, IX1597, leaves Bhubaneswar at 09:25 PM, arriving in Kolkata at 10:50 PM.

Strengthening Northeast India Network

Air India Express is also enhancing its winter flight operations in Northeast India, increasing connectivity to Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala.

• Guwahati will see its weekly flights rise to 106, connecting directly to eight major cities.
• Imphal’s weekly operations will double to 34 flights, while Agartala will operate 21 weekly flights.

Chief Commercial Officer Ankur Garg highlights that this expansion is crucial for establishing Guwahati as a key connection point between Northeast India and other regions of the nation.

The Tata Group-integrated carrier is undergoing a fleet reconfiguration plan, transitioning to an all-economy configuration by 2025. This change is aimed at optimizing capacity while serving the needs of budget-conscious travelers.

With over 90 aircraft in its fleet, Air India Express is well-positioned to meet the growing aviation demands of India’s emerging cities.

For more updates on Air India Express and its expanding network, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or check out our related articles on regional connectivity and travel tips.