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Air India Express is an Indian low-cost carrier airline based in Kochi, India. The airline is a subsidiary of the airline Air India. Air India Express flies to over 30 destinations within Southeast Asia and the Middle East and operates 649 flights per week. Currently, the airline is transporting 4.3 million passengers per year.

Air India Express was founded in 2005 and launched 3 flights between Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kochi. The airline was launched as a low-cost carrier in order to provide convenient connectivity to short to medium-haul international routes, in the Middle East and Southeast Asia for the Indian expatriate community. As it is a low-cost carrier, the airline operates point-to-point flights without any hub.

Looking to book flights? You can use the search bar at the top of the page to start searching for flights. When you book through Alternative Airlines, it is easy to manage your Air India Express booking. You can log-in to access your passenger details. You can even pay the way you want, whether that is in USD, Euros, or Indian Rupee.

Is Air India Express part of Air India?

Air India Express is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India.

Baggage Policy

Air India Express has a different baggage policy for carry and checked baggage.

Carry-on Baggage

Passengers are permitted 1 x 7kg / 15 lbs of hand luggage for their Air India Express flights. The dimensions of this item must not exceed the combined dimensions of 115cm / 45in (L+W+H).

In addition to the 7 Kg / 15 lbs hand baggage allowance, each passenger is permitted an additional laptop, carried in a laptop Bag.

Please don't make any prohibited items in your carry-on baggage. This includes liquids over 100ml, sharp objects and flammable liquids. Any prohibited items found by airport security will be removed and disposed.

Checked Baggage

All passengers are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance. Air India Express designates baggage allowances depending on the route travelling. Please note that the following information is intended as a guide and will be confirmed during the booking process. During certain periods the airline may increase the free baggage allowance on selected destinations, based on seasonal trends.

Air India Express Baggage Allowance International Flights

  • Gulf to India - 20/30/40kgs (will be based on the fare purchased)
  • India to Gulf - 20kgs
  • Singapore to India - 20/30kg
  • India to all other international destinations - 20kg
  • Domestic flights - 25kg

The sum of the combined dimensions must not exceed 62inches (158cm). This is calculated by adding the length, breadth and height.

If you require extra baggage, Air India Express provides advance purchase of pre-booked excess baggage in two slabs: 5KG & 10KG. The price for which varies based on routes and seasonality - for more information, please contact our customer service team, who will be happy to help.

Cabin Classes

As a low-cost carrier, Economy Class is the only cabin class that Air India Express offers.

Economy Class

Economy Class Seating

Economy Class seats are standard and comfortable. The seats are set out in a 3 x 3 formation and each seat has 29–30 inches of seat pitch and is 17 inches wide.

Economy Class Facilities

Economy Class is dedicated to providing the highest level of service, while ensure fares are affordable. Toilet facilities are available onboard all flights. In contrast to many other LCCs, Air India Express offers complimentary snacks and hot drinks, as well as affordably priced a-la-carte meals which can be pre-booked before flying. It is easy to do this during the booking process, where it is also possible to select a special meal to meet your dietary requirements.

Premium Economy Class

Air India Express doesn't have a Premium Economy Class.

Business Class

Air India Express doesn't offer a Business Class cabin.

First Class

Air India only has an Economy Class cabin and therefore doesn't offer First Class.

Check-In

Air India Express allows passengers to check in online and at the airport.

Online Check-in

Air India Express lets you check-in online 24 hours before your flight departure time. We advise that you check-in online in order to speed up your airport journey.

Once you've checked in online, please ensure that you have printed your boarding pass or have your e-ticket saved on your mobile ready to show at the airport.

Airport Check-in

The airline’s check-in counters are open 3 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time. The counters close 60 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time.

Please note that check-in deadlines may vary at different airports, so passengers are encouraged to check the recommended check-in times of the departure airport.

Frequent Flyer Programme

The airline does not currently operate a frequent flyer program.

Airline Alliance

The airline is not part of an airline alliance.

Special Services

Passengers who require special services while travelling with Air India Express, are encouraged to contact our customer service team to discuss your needs - our team will then contact the airline on your behalf.

Unaccompanied Minors

Air India Express will accept unaccompanied minors between 5 years and 16 years of age. This will need to be arranged with the airline, so we suggest contacting our customer service team to discuss the airline’s requirements.

Children below the age of 12 years who are travelling with anyone other than their parents will have to submit an Indian Embassy (Destination Point) attested letter stating so.

Wheelchair Assistance

If you require wheelchair assistance for your airport journey, please contact Alternative Airlines. We will inform Air India Express that you or a member of your party will need a wheelchair assistance.

In-Flight Entertainment & WiFi

Entertainment: As Air India Express is low-cost airline, the airline doesn't provide in-flight entertainment for Economy passengers.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi: Not available on-board flights.

Food & Drink

Air India Express offers a number of food and drink options onboard. Special meals are also available to pre-purchase before your flight.

Air India Express Meal Options

Air India Express does not provide any meals free of charge, but does provide a complimentary snack box onboard their flights. In addition, passengers can purchase additional snacks or a hot meals and fruits in advance of flying. Meals must be preordered at least 24 hours before flying - you can do this easily by contacting our customer service team. Meals available to purchase include breakfast, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, hot lunches and dinners including Indian inspired cuisine, and also sandwiches and snacks such as chicken dishes and fruit.

Air India Express Special Dietary Requirements

Air India Express do not offer specific meals for and dietary requirements, as there is no full meal provided on their flight. Alternatively, passengers can bring their own food with them on the plane.

Air India Express Drinks & Alcohol

Air India Express provide passengers complimentary tea/coffee and water when a meal is ordered. In addition, passengers can purchase drinks from the drinks service during their flight.

Country flags

Destinations that Air India Express flies to

The airline operates flights to at least one or international destinations from each of the following domestic airports, excluding Vijayawada, from which the airline operates a popular route to Mumbai.

Top Tip: Looking for flights within India? Check out our guide to domestic flights within India for a full guide, include airlines, airports, popular routes and FAQs.

Alternatives to Air India Express

Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes to Air India Express:

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Hub Airport

Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport is an international airport located in Kochi, Kerala, India. As Kerala’s largest and busiest airport, 2018- 2019 saw the airport handle around 10.2 million passengers from nearly 72 thousand aircraft movement. It's the busiest and largest airport in the state of Kerala and the 4th biggest airport in South India.

In 2015, Cochin International Airport because the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, and as a result has received a ‘Champion of the Earth’ award by the United Nations. This airport operates 3 passengers terminals and 1 cargo terminal. Terminal 1 was recently renovated and now handles over 4,000 passengers per hour, this is 5 times more than the previous capacity. Terminal 1 operates domestic flights, whereas Terminal 3 operates international flights. Terminal 3 opened in 2017 and consists of 5 entry gates 85+ check-in counters and 80+ immigration counters.

The airport is the hub for Air India Express, but also a focus city for IndiGo, Air India and Spice Jet. Other airlines that fly from Cochin International Airport include Air Kerala, Jazeera Airways, Oman Air, Vistara, Kuwait Airways, IndiGo and more.

Fleet

As of January 2022, Air India Express operates Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Seat Selection

Passengers are able to pre-book their seats on Air India Express flights (on most sectors). This service is available at the time of booking, or you can contact our customer service team, and must be done up to 24 hours prior to scheduled departure. Seats available for pre-selection: Window, Middle & Aisle.

Air India Express

12 February 2020

First Direct Flight From Tiruchirappalli to Doha

Air India Express has announced a new route from Tiruchirappalli to Doha effective from March 31, 2020. This route will be operated by the Boeing 737-800.

The flight will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. SriLankan Airlines is currently the only operator for this route, offering an indirect flight via Katunayake, Sri Lanka.