31 July 2024, National: Continuing its rapid growth, Air India Express announces the expansion of its operations to Dhaka. From 3rd September 2024, the airline will operate six weekly flights each connecting Dhaka to Kolkata and Chennai, enhancing connectivity, and fostering economic growth between India and Bangladesh. Air India Express flights to and from Dhaka are open for booking on the airline’s award-winning website, mobile app, and other major booking channels, with attractive introductory Xpress Lite fares available on the airline’s website.
| Scheduled from September 3, 2024 | ||||
| Departure | Arrival | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Frequency |
| Kolkata | Dhaka | 11:55 | 13:30 | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Dhaka | Kolkata | 23:10 | 23:45 | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Chennai | Dhaka | 19:00 | 22:10 | Tuesday to Sunday |
| Dhakka | Chennai | 14:30 | 16:50 | Tuesday to Sunday |
Commenting on the launch, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “With the introduction of direct flights to Dhaka from Kolkata and Chennai, Air India Express continues to enhance connectivity across the Indian sub-continent. These new routes are a significant step towards providing more convenient travel experiences infused with the warmth of Indian hospitality, further strengthening regional ties, and fostering greater accessibility within the sub-continent. Apart from trade and tourism, these flights will also help guests from Bangladesh travelling for medical treatments at speciality hospitals in Chennai and Kolkata. The services will also provide connections to Air India Express flights to the Gulf region, as also to Air India long-haul international flights.”
Guests from cities such as Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Imphal, Jaipur, Surat, and Varanasi will now benefit from convenient one-stop connectivity to Dhaka. Guests from Dhaka can also now easily travel to these cities via Kolkata or Chennai.
With this expansion of its network to Dhaka, Kolkata has become the third-largest station for Air India Express, offering 158 weekly flights that connect the City of Joy to 13 destinations directly and 20 destinations through one-stop itineraries.
From Chennai, Air India Express operates over 85 weekly flights, connecting 13 destinations directly and 24 destinations through one-stop itineraries.
Last week, Air India Express announced the addition of Agartala as its 32nd domestic destination, with daily direct flights connecting the capital city of Tripura to Kolkata and Guwahati.
Loyalty members booking on the airline’s website and mobile app get additional rewards and benefits, including exclusive discounts and special deals, up to 8% NeuCoins, and complimentary Xpress Ahead priority check-in, boarding and baggage services. In addition to loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, and dependents and members of the Indian armed forces can book special fares. Guests can also book special cabin baggage only fares, Xpress Lite, available on the airline’s website.