Continuing its expansion plans, Air India’s low cost subsidiary Air India Express has announced the expansion of its operations to Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh.

According to a press statement by the airline, it will operate six weekly flights each connecting Dhaka to Kolkata and Chennai from September 3, in what it says will enhance connectivity and economic growth between India and Bangladesh. 

The airline says that 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.

Air India Express flight from Kolkata to Dhaka will depart at 11:55 to reach at 13:30 every Tuesday to Sunday. On the return leg, flight from Dhaka will depart at 23:10 to reach Kolkata at 23:45 on the same day.

The statement adds that from Chennai, the Air India Express flight will depart at 19:00 and land in Dhaka at 22:10 from Tuesday to Sunday. The returning flight from Dhaka will take off at 14:30 to reach Chennai by 16:50 on the same day.

Air India Express flights to and from Dhaka are open for booking on the airline’s website, mobile app, and other major booking channels, with introductory Xpress Lite fares available on the airline’s website. This includes Kolkata-Dhaka fares at INR 3443, Dhaka-Kolkata at INR 4609, Chennai-Dhaka at INR 4796, and Dhaka-Chennai at INR 7223.

Aloke Singh

“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,” says Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express.

The airline says that apart from trade and tourism, these flights will also help guests from Bangladesh travelling for medical treatments at speciality hospitals in Chennai and Kolkata. 

It says that the services will also provide connections to Air India Express flights to the Gulf region, as also to Air India’s long-haul international flights.

The statement says that passengers 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 as they can now easily travel to these cities via Kolkata or Chennai.

From Chennai, Air India Express operates over 85 weekly flights, connecting 13 destinations directly and 24 destinations through one-stop itineraries.

The statement adds that 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.

It goes on to say that 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 pc NeuCoins, and complimentary Xpress Ahead priority check-in, boarding and baggage services. 

The statement adds that students, senior citizens, SMEs, and dependents and members of the Indian armed forces can book special fares and benefits on its website. Passengers can also book special cabin baggage only fares, Xpress Lite, available on the airline’s website.