Air India Express Expands Fleet, Delays Dhaka Flights Amid Political Crisis

Air India Express has announced plans to expand its fleet size and introduce new routes while deferring its planned services between Kolkata and Dhaka due to the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh. The airline had initially scheduled six weekly flights on this route starting in September but now plans to resume them once conditions improve, according to a statement from Managing Director Aloke Singh.

Despite the postponement, Air India Express continues its expansion in the eastern sector. Starting with the summer schedule in March 2025, the airline will launch international flights to and from Kathmandu. Additionally, the fleet is expected to grow from the current 90 aircraft to over 100 by March 2025 and approximately 175 within three years.

The airline operates 24 daily flights from Kolkata, which will increase by 10 in the summer schedule. This includes new routes, enhanced frequency on existing services, and an increase in night halt capacity at Kolkata from seven to nine aircraft. New connections include a Dimapur-Kolkata route, while Patna is under consideration for further expansion.

Air India Express plans to bolster its presence in the Gulf, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore, Vietnam, and Colombo under evaluation. Flights to Vietnam may begin as early as the next financial year. The airline is also exploring opportunities in CIS countries.

Weekly flight frequencies from Kolkata and Bagdogra have risen by 37%, from 168 last winter to over 230. New direct routes include Kolkata-Port Blair, Kolkata-Indore, and Kolkata-Agartala, as well as Bagdogra-Hyderabad and Bagdogra-Chennai.

Air India Express operates over 400 daily flights connecting 36 domestic and 15 international destinations. Its fleet includes 61 Boeing 737s and 29 Airbus A320s. Together with its parent company, Air India, it holds a 24% market share in Kolkata.