Air India Express has announced a major expansion of its international network from Bengaluru. The airline will soon introduce new direct routes connecting Bengaluru with Jeddah, Riyadh, and Kuwait. These routes are scheduled to launch in late October 2025 and mark a key milestone.
The move comes at a time when demand for international travel is rising rapidly from Bengaluru, driven by its booming economy, global workforce, and diverse expatriate community. The new connections aim to make international travel faster, more convenient, and affordable for both business and leisure travellers.
Strengthening Bengaluru’s International Connectivity
The new routes represent Air India Express’s commitment to expanding international travel opportunities from South India. Bengaluru, known as India’s “Silicon Valley,” attracts millions of domestic and foreign visitors each year for business, education, and tourism. The introduction of direct flights to key Middle Eastern destinations enhances the city’s role as a gateway for travellers heading west.
According to the airline’s operational schedule, flights to Jeddah will commence on October 26, while services to Riyadh and Kuwait will start the following day, October 27. Each route will operate three times a week, offering flexibility for passengers.
Flight Details and Timings
Flights from Bengaluru to Jeddah are expected to depart in the evening and arrive late at night, while return flights will take off from Jeddah around midnight and land in Bengaluru early morning. A similar schedule applies to Riyadh and Kuwait, optimized to suit regional time zones and ensure smooth transit for passengers.
By scheduling these flights strategically, Air India Express ensures that travellers can plan their journeys conveniently, whether for work or leisure.
Affordable Travel for All
True to its reputation as India’s low-cost international carrier, Air India Express continues to prioritize affordability. Introductory fares are expected to start around ₹13,500 for Riyadh, ₹19,500 for Jeddah, and ₹13,600 for Kuwait. This pricing structure makes overseas travel more accessible for a wider range of travellers — from professionals and students to families and pilgrims.
The airline’s goal is to provide world-class connectivity without compromising on comfort or safety. Passengers will benefit from upgraded cabin services, convenient booking options, and efficient on-time performance.
Boost for Tourism and Pilgrimage
The Bengaluru–Jeddah route is particularly significant for religious tourism. Thousands of pilgrims from South India travel annually to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj. The introduction of direct flights reduces travel time, removes the need for long layovers, and makes spiritual journeys smoother.
Similarly, the Riyadh and Kuwait routes cater to a large expatriate workforce from Karnataka and neighboring states. These flights allow residents working in the Middle East to visit their families more frequently and conveniently.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Bengaluru’s economy thrives on technology, innovation, and global collaboration. Improved air connectivity with the Middle East opens new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment. The new routes will facilitate smoother business travel for entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and investors who operate between India and Gulf countries.
Moreover, this development is expected to drive growth across sectors like hospitality, retail, logistics, and transportation. With more international passengers passing through Kempegowda International Airport, the city will see increased demand for accommodation, dining, and travel-related services.
Bengaluru’s Rising Status as a Global Hub
Kempegowda International Airport has emerged as one of India’s busiest and most modern airports, handling millions of passengers annually. The airport’s new Terminal 2, built with sustainable design and enhanced passenger capacity, supports growing global operations.
Air India Express’s expansion complements government initiatives to strengthen regional connectivity under the UDAN and Vision 2040 programs. These efforts aim to establish Indian cities like Bengaluru as premier global travel and trade hubs.
The new routes are part of Air India Express’s broader strategy to integrate with Air India’s full-service operations, offering passengers more options, smoother connections, and expanded international access.
Benefits for South Indian Travellers
The addition of these flights is not limited to Bengaluru residents. Travellers from nearby cities such as Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Mangaluru can easily connect via Bengaluru to reach their destinations abroad. This makes the city an even more convenient transit point for South India.
For students studying in the Gulf region, professionals on overseas assignments, and families visiting relatives, these direct connections reduce travel stress and total journey time.
Looking Ahead
Air India Express’s decision to launch direct flights from Bengaluru to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Kuwait signifies more than just network expansion — it’s a statement of confidence in Bengaluru’s growing role on the global aviation map.
The new services promise to boost regional tourism, strengthen business ties, and make international travel more accessible. With its modern airport infrastructure and strategic geographic location, Bengaluru is poised to become a preferred departure point for South Indian travellers.
As Air India Express continues to expand its footprint, these new routes mark a promising beginning for the next phase of international travel growth from India’s technology capital.
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