In an exciting development for both business and leisure travellers, Air India Express has announced the launch of new direct flights connecting Bengaluru with Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. These services, commencing from early to mid-September 2025, promise enhanced accessibility, affordable fares, and seamless connectivity across key Indian regions.
From 1 September 2025, passengers flying from Bengaluru will have the convenience of twice-daily flights to both Ahmedabad—Gujarat’s bustling economic and cultural hub—and Chandigarh, the architecturally iconic capital of Punjab and Haryana. Following this phase, daily flights to Dehradun, the gateway to Uttarakhand’s spiritual and adventure destinations, will begin on 15 September 2025.
These developments follow Air India Express’s broader expansion momentum. The airline, a Tata-Group controlled low-cost carrier, already operates over 500 daily flights and serves 41 domestic and 17 international destinations as of mid-August 2025. With the addition of these three new routes, the airline’s domestic footprint will be significantly fortified.
The schedule promises flexibility and frequency:
- Ahmedabad–Bengaluru: Two departures daily at approx. 11:00 and 23:00, with return flights at approximately 07:55 and 19:55. (Second daily Ahmedabad-Bengaluru service may begin mid-September.)
- Chandigarh–Bengaluru: Two daily services at around 16:40 and 23:25, with Bengaluru returns at 13:15 and 20:00.
- Dehradun–Bengaluru: One daily flight starting mid-September—departure around 16:30 from Dehradun, early-afternoon return from Bengaluru around 12:50.
To kick off these new connections, introductory one-way fares start at an inviting ₹4,100, bookable via the airline’s official website, mobile app, and major booking platforms—a compelling offer for price-sensitive travellers.
What this means for tourism and business
- Ahmedabad: Known for its robust economy, rich textile heritage, Sabarmati Ashram, and vibrant street food culture, Ahmedabad stands to benefit from enhanced accessibility from South India.
- Chandigarh: This planned city, celebrated for its modernist architecture and proximity to hill and heritage destinations, will now be more reachable from Bengaluru’s tech and corporate ecosystem.
- Dehradun and Uttarakhand: From the valley’s serene ashrams and trekking gateways like Mussoorie and Rishikesh to spiritual circuits leading to Yamunotri and Gangotri, Dehradun’s significance as a hub for spiritual and adventure tourism will grow substantially.
Beyond route expansion, Air India Express continues to elevate the customer journey. Their “Xpress Holidays” platform offers curated travel packages—including flights, hotels, and activities—which will be particularly advantageous for travellers exploring the new destinations with added ease.
The airline’s unique “Tales of India” aircraft livery series, which showcases regional art like Gujarat’s Bandhani, Punjab’s Phulkari, and Uttarakhand’s Aipan, further enhances brand storytelling while celebrating India’s cultural exuberance. These designs bring a visual connection to the regions served, making flights feel more than just transport—they become an immersive cultural experience.
Strategic Growth and Market Outlook
This expansion reinforces Air India Express’s ambition to strengthen metro-to-emerging-city connectivity and capitalize on growing domestic air travel demand. With a fleet size exceeding 115 aircraft—including Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s—the airline is well positioned to deploy capacity efficiently. The addition of these routes aligns with broader growth strategies in light of India’s booming domestic aviation market.
Moreover, the airline’s operational base in Bengaluru—already facilitating over 405 weekly connections across 34 domestic and 3 international routes—will now extend its reach to important commercial and tourism magnets. This supports Karnataka’s goal to improve inter-state travel, boost tourism, and promote regional economic integration.
What travellers should know
- Booking: Tickets available now, fares from ₹4,100 one-way.
- Effective dates: Ahmedabad and Chandigarh services from 1 September 2025; Dehradun flights from 15 September 2025.
- Amenities: Expect low-cost carriers’ value with hot meals (“Gourmair”), comfortable seating, and flexible fare choices.
- Packages: Xpress Holidays simplifies trip planning; perfect for combining air travel with stay and sightseeing.
- Visual appeal: Aircraft connecting to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun will feature regionally inspired artist motifs under the Tales of India theme, enriching the travel experience from the moment you board.
Conclusion
Air India Express’s new direct routes from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun mark a significant boost in connectivity for India’s business, cultural, and tourism circuits. Offering frequent services, affordable pricing, and tailored holiday packages, the moves will make travel between South and West, North, and the Himalayas more convenient and enticing. Whether planning a business trip, cultural escape, spiritual retreat, or adventure getaway, travellers now have more reasons than ever to take flight.
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