Air India Express, the budget carrier, is set to increase its capacity to the Gulf region, specifically focusing on enhancing connectivity for travelers from Tier 2 and 3 cities across India.
The move is part of the airline’s strategic growth initiatives to meet the evolving demands of passengers and expand its footprint in key markets.
Targeted Capacity Enhancements:
Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, revealed plans for capacity increases to Saudi Arabia and incremental boosts to Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.
While the Kerala-Gulf market is well-served, the airline is exploring opportunities to expand capacity from Kannur, providing additional options for travelers.
The emphasis is on catering to Gulf travelers with improved connectivity to various cities across India.
Singh highlighted recent adjustments made under the airline’s rationalization program in collaboration with Air India.
Some routes are now served by Air India products, addressing both premium traffic and value-conscious markets.
Notable route adjustments include Surat-to-Sharjah, Indore-to-Dubai, Delhi-to-Sharjah, and Goa-to-Dubai.
Consolidation and Domestic Connectivity:
With the completion of the integration of Air India Express and AirAsia India within the Air India Group, the airline is set to consolidate its network.
The focus will extend beyond point-to-point services, with increased emphasis on connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India to the UAE and Gulf countries.
This broader domestic connectivity aims to streamline travel for passengers.
Future Expansion and Geographic Focus:
While consolidating existing networks remains a priority, limited expansion into new geographies is planned.
Air India Express is exploring destinations within a six-hour flying timeframe, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The airline’s strategy aligns with broader market trends and the evolving preferences of travelers in the region.
