Last updated: 12 October 2026
If you have been waiting for cheaper, more direct new international flights from India, there is genuine good news this week. Air India Express has announced its Winter Schedule — its largest ever — with more than 40 new domestic and international routes rolling out in phases from 25 October. The big winners are travellers heading to the Gulf, Southeast Asia and South Asia, with new direct links from cities like Indore, Kochi, Lucknow and Visakhapatnam. Here is the full route list, what it means for you, and how to book smartly.
What the Air India Express winter schedule includes
According to the airline’s official announcement, reported by The Economic Times, Air India Express will operate around 585 daily flights this winter — roughly 435 domestic and up to 150 international departures a day. Weekly flights jump from about 3,150 in the summer schedule to nearly 4,100, an increase of nearly 30 percent, with the network expanding to 65 stations and 220 routes.
The international network grows from 83 routes to more than 100, adding capacity between Indian cities and destinations in West Asia and Southeast Asia, supported by a fleet of more than 105 aircraft. Chairman Nipun Aggarwal said the scale reflects confidence in India’s growth story and the growing importance of air connectivity for trade, tourism and economic development.
New international flights from India: the route list
These are the new international services announced as part of the winter schedule. The rollout happens in phases from 25 October, so check the airline’s official website for your route’s exact start date.
| New route | Region | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi–Goa (Mopa) | Gulf | New direct link for Goan travellers |
| Amritsar–Abu Dhabi | Gulf | Direct connection from Punjab |
| Bahrain–Thiruvananthapuram | Gulf | 2 weekly flights from 27 October |
| Bangkok–Indore / Kochi / Visakhapatnam | Southeast Asia | Three new direct Thailand links |
| Bengaluru–Kathmandu | South Asia | Daily service announced |
| Bhopal–Sharjah, Chandigarh–Sharjah, Sharjah–Surat | Gulf | New central/north India links |
| Chennai–Singapore | Southeast Asia | 14 weekly flights |
| Delhi–Riyadh, Lucknow–Riyadh | Gulf | New capital-to-capital links |
| Dubai–Goa (Dabolim) | Gulf | New tourist corridor |
| Kochi–Kuwait, Mangaluru–Kuwait, Mumbai–Kuwait | Gulf | Added Kerala–Kuwait capacity |
| Mangaluru–Ras Al Khaimah | Gulf | Second UAE option from Mangaluru |
| Phuket–Hyderabad | Southeast Asia | New beach-holiday link |
| Riyadh–Thiruvananthapuram | Gulf | 3 weekly flights from 27 October |
What these new international flights from India mean for you
For Gulf-bound workers and families, the value is simple: several routes cut out the connecting stop. Travellers from Lucknow, Kochi or Mangaluru no longer need to route through Delhi, Mumbai or a foreign hub for Riyadh, Kuwait or Sharjah — and more capacity on corridors like Mumbai–Kuwait and Chennai–Singapore usually helps fares over time.
For tourists, the Southeast Asia additions are the headline. Bangkok now connects directly with Indore, Kochi and Visakhapatnam — three cities with limited direct Thailand options before. Phuket–Hyderabad and 14-weekly Chennai–Singapore make Southeast Asia holidays noticeably easier from south and central India.
For Kerala-based professionals, the Thiruvananthapuram–Riyadh and Thiruvananthapuram–Bahrain services starting 27 October add welcome direct options, with bookings already open per airport announcements.
Booking tips for the new routes
- Book launch windows early. New routes often open with promotional fares — check the airline’s official website rather than third-party sites.
- Compare direct vs connecting. A direct flight is worth a small premium if it saves a long layover, but compare totals first.
- Watch baggage rules. Value carriers often sell hand-baggage-only fares that get expensive once you add checked bags.
- Keep dates flexible. Since the rollout is phased, some routes start after 25 October — flexible dates open more options.
- Confirm visa and passport validity first. For Gulf work travel, ensure your work visa and passport (generally 6+ months validity recommended) are in order before locking non-refundable tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new routes start?
From 25 October in phases; individual routes may start on different dates. Thiruvananthapuram–Riyadh and Thiruvananthapuram–Bahrain begin 27 October.
Which routes help Gulf workers most?
Delhi–Riyadh, Lucknow–Riyadh, Kochi–Kuwait, Mangaluru–Kuwait, Mumbai–Kuwait, Amritsar–Abu Dhabi and Riyadh–Thiruvananthapuram — all direct links that remove connecting stops.
Will fares drop?
More capacity usually helps fares over time, but nothing is guaranteed on any specific date. Booking early and staying flexible gives the best chance of a good price.
Are bookings open?
Per airline and airport announcements, bookings for the new services are opening. Check the Air India Express official website for live availability.
What about domestic connections?
One-stop connectivity across the network rises to nearly 1,600 weekly connections, with domestic links feeding the new Gulf gateways from cities like Bhopal, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Surat.
Sources
- The Economic Times — “Air India Express winter schedule brings 40+ new routes, more Gulf and Southeast Asia flights” (6 October 2026) — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/air-india-express-winter-schedule-brings-40-new-routes-more-gulf-and-southeast-asia-flights/articleshow/134731610.cms
- Aviation A2Z — “Air India Adds Two New International Routes from This Airport” (4 October 2026) — https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2026/10/04/thiruvananthapuram-airport-adds-direct-riyadh-and-bahrain-flights/
- Travel And Tour World — “flyadeal Opens New Mumbai–Riyadh Gateway With Five Weekly Flights” (5 October 2026) — https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/max8g62pfvv1/
Planning a trip on one of these new routes? Read more flight and visa guides on Sunlight Holidays — and if you are flying to the Gulf for work, our team can help you plan the whole journey through Sunlight Holidays.
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