Aviation Industry – Air India Express Adjusts Domestic Flight Network Amid Demand Shift
Aviation Industry – Air India Express is preparing to scale back a portion of its domestic flight services from June as the carrier reshapes its route network to match current passenger demand patterns.
Air India Express has announced that it will reduce its domestic flight operations by nearly 10 percent beginning next month, joining IndiGo and Air India, which recently revealed similar adjustments to their internal schedules. The airline stated that the move is part of a broader strategy to balance capacity with evolving travel demand across different sectors.
Domestic Routes Under Review
According to sources familiar with the development, the airline currently operates around 460 domestic flights each day. From June onward, that number is expected to decline to slightly above 420 daily services. Officials indicated that certain routes have been witnessing lower-than-expected passenger traffic, prompting the airline to reassess the viability of those sectors.
Among the affected services is the Bengaluru-Kathmandu route, which reportedly did not attract sufficient passenger bookings. As a result, the airline plans to discontinue the sector from its operational network. Another route expected to be removed is the Bengaluru-North Goa service. Sources explained that passengers travelling to Goa can continue using the state’s alternate airport, allowing the airline to streamline operations more efficiently.
Focus Shifts Toward International Connectivity
While domestic frequencies are being reduced, Air India Express is simultaneously increasing its presence in international markets, particularly across West Asia. Despite rising Aviation Turbine Fuel prices, the airline has continued expanding overseas operations in response to sustained demand on international routes.
In a statement issued by the airline, the company said it has been steadily rebuilding connectivity between India and West Asian destinations while also introducing additional services across select domestic and global sectors. The airline described the changes as “calibrated adjustments” intended to improve operational efficiency and optimise aircraft deployment.
The airline further clarified that the reduction in domestic services would remain below the 10 percent mark and would not significantly impact overall network connectivity.
Expansion Across West Asia Continues
Air India Express said it now operates nearly 500 weekly flights connecting India with West Asian countries. This represents a notable increase from approximately 280 weekly flights operated only a few weeks earlier. The airline added that services have gradually resumed across 11 airports in the region as travel demand stabilises.
The carrier currently operates more than 3,000 weekly flights covering destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Company representatives said the airline’s approach is focused on maintaining flexibility while strengthening links between key cities and international destinations.
An airline spokesperson noted that the strategy allows the company to allocate aircraft more effectively while continuing to improve connectivity for passengers across multiple markets.
Other Airlines Monitor Domestic Demand
The latest announcement comes shortly after other major Indian airlines introduced changes to their domestic schedules. Carriers across the sector have been evaluating passenger trends, operating costs, and route performance as part of ongoing network planning efforts.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet stated that it has no plans at present to reduce its domestic operations. A company spokesperson confirmed that the airline’s domestic flight schedules would continue without any announced cuts.
Industry observers believe airlines are increasingly focusing on route profitability and demand-based scheduling as fuel prices and operational costs continue to influence aviation planning decisions across the sector.