Air India Express Route Map 2026
India's budget carrier for Gulf and Southeast Asia — serving Kerala diaspora routes. Explore 60+ destinations across 15 countries — filter by hub and click any destination to compare fares.
Click a hub or hub button to filter routes. Search destinations above. Click any dot to compare fares.
Air India Express — Network & Service Overview
Air India Express, founded in 2005, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, operating as a low-cost carrier. The airline is headquartered in India and does not belong to any airline alliance, allowing it to maintain independence in its operations and route planning.
Air India Express primarily serves the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with a network of 45 destinations. The airline operates from its main hubs in Cochin (COK), Mumbai (BOM), and Delhi (DEL), providing connectivity between Indian cities and these regions. As a non-alliance carrier, it does not have codeshare agreements, giving passengers a distinct set of route options.
Travellers on Air India Express should note that the airline offers a no-frills, low-cost product, with a focus on efficient and affordable travel. The airline's route network is concentrated on connecting Indian cities to nearby international destinations, making it a key player in these regional markets. With its straightforward, low-cost approach, Air India Express caters to price-conscious passengers.
About Air India Express
Air India Express (IX) is an independent carrier founded in 2005. The airline operates a fleet of 60+ aircraft serving approximately 8M+ passengers annually across 60+ destinations in 15 countries. Its main hubs are Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi, India and Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Calicut, India and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram, India.
India's budget carrier for Gulf and Southeast Asia — serving Kerala diaspora routes.
Air India Express Hub Airports
Cochin International Airport (COK) — Kochi, India
Air India Express operates from Cochin International Airport as one of its primary base airports, connecting passengers to destinations across 15 countries. View airport guides.
Calicut International Airport (CCJ) — Calicut, India
Air India Express operates from Calicut International Airport as one of its primary base airports, connecting passengers to destinations across 15 countries. View airport guides.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) — Thiruvananthapuram, India
Air India Express operates from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as one of its primary base airports, connecting passengers to destinations across 15 countries. View airport guides.
Air India Express Top Routes
Some of Air India Express's most-flown routes connecting major hubs and popular destinations:
| From | To | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kochi | Dubai | COK–DXB | 4× daily |
| Calicut | Dubai | CCJ–DXB | 3× daily |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Dubai | TRV–DXB | 3× daily |
| Kochi | Abu Dhabi | COK–AUH | 2× daily |
15
Countries
60+
Destinations
60+
Fleet Size
8M+
Annual Passengers
Founded
2005
IATA Code
IX
Alliance
None
Hubs
COK, CCJ, TRV
Hub Airports
Air India Express airline intelligence
Network strategy, booking tips, alliance benefits and operating profile — updated for 2026.
Carrier profile
Air India Express is a full-service carrier — fares typically include checked baggage, complimentary meals, and seat selection. Multiple cabin classes (economy, premium economy, business, sometimes first) give upgrade paths via cash or miles. Based in India, and has been operating since 2005.
Network strategy
Air India Express operates a multi-hub network across Kochi (COK), Calicut (CCJ), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV). When booking, compare connections via each hub — sometimes a less-obvious hub is faster, cheaper, or has a better lounge for your status tier.
Air India Express currently flies to 60+ destinations across 15+ countries. Use the interactive map above to filter by hub and find the most relevant routes for your origin city.
Loyalty program
Air India Express is not part of a global alliance, so miles earned here usually stay within their own program. Check their direct frequent-flyer scheme for redemption sweet spots — un-allied carriers often offer steeper-discount award flights on their own metal.
Booking tips
For Air India Express fares, book 6-10 weeks out for short-haul Asian routes, 8-14 weeks out for long-haul. Premium-economy is often cheapest exactly at the 10-week mark. Award availability opens 330+ days in advance — set alerts and book early for peak-season redemptions.
Had a delayed or cancelled flight?
You could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EU/UK law. Check if your Air India Express flight qualifies in just 2 minutes. No win, no fee.
Plan the Trip Beyond the Route Map
Use these planning hubs to turn route discovery into a booked trip, smoother airport transfer, or better stopover.
Flight Search
Compare routes and fares across the network.
Price Alerts
Track deals on popular airline routes.
Airport Guides
Find transport, terminal and city-transfer help.
Layover Guides
Plan stopovers and short transits more confidently.
Visa Guides
Check entry rules before you book multi-country trips.
Visa Checker
Quick passport-to-destination visa lookup.
Destination Guides
Move from route discovery into trip planning.
Air India Express Route Map — FAQs
What are Air India Express's main hub airports?+
Air India Express's main hubs are Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi and Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Calicut and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram.
How many destinations does Air India Express fly to?+
Air India Express flies to 60+ destinations across 15 countries. The network spans domestic, regional, and international markets across the airline's core operating regions.
What is Air India Express's busiest route?+
One of Air India Express's busiest routes is Kochi to Dubai (COK–DXB), operated 4× daily.
Is Air India Express part of an airline alliance?+
Air India Express is not a member of any major airline alliance (Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or oneworld). It operates as an independent carrier.