Bengaluru to Kathmandu: Air India Express New Flights Explained
If you live in Bengaluru and have been waiting for a direct flight to Kathmandu, your wait is nearly over. Air India Express has announced five new routes from Bengaluru as part of its winter schedule starting October 25, 2026 — with Kathmandu as a brand-new new international flights from india option for travellers in South India. Here is what was announced, when it starts, and how to plan around it.
What exactly did Air India Express announce?
The airline will introduce five routes from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport under its winter schedule, rolling out in phases from October 25, 2026:
- Bengaluru–Kathmandu: daily flights, seven times a week — a new international destination from the city
- Bengaluru–Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa): daily flights
- Bengaluru–Jodhpur: daily flights
- Bengaluru–Madurai: daily flights
- Bengaluru–Coimbatore: twice daily, 14 services a week
It is part of the airline’s largest-ever winter schedule — 65 stations and 220 routes, with more than 40 new routes across domestic and international markets, according to Deccan Herald and News Karnataka.
Why the Bengaluru–Kathmandu route matters
Kathmandu draws Indian travellers year-round — for the Pashupatinath temple, leisure trips to the Himalayas, and business. Until now, Bengaluru travellers usually connected through Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata, adding hours to the journey. A direct daily flight means shorter travel time, no terminal changes, more departure choices across the week, and generally lower total trip cost.
Indian citizens typically do not need a visa for Nepal and a valid government photo ID is generally accepted, but carrying a passport is always the safer option. Check the latest official guidance before you fly.
New international flights from india are multiplying this season
The Bengaluru–Kathmandu service is not an isolated story. Indian carriers have been adding overseas routes at a fast pace:
- Flyadeal launched its non-stop Mumbai–Riyadh service on October 3, 2026 — its second Indian destination after Hyderabad
- IndiGo has announced Guwahati–Bangkok non-stop flights from October 27, 2026 — its first international operations from Northeast India
- IndiGo will also begin daily Mumbai–Hanoi direct flights from October 25, 2026
More routes mean more competition, and that generally means better fares and more schedule choices. If you are planning winter travel — Diwali holidays or year-end trips — this is a good time to compare options before fares climb.
Before you book: a quick checklist
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Schedule on the airline’s official site | Announced timings can change before launch day |
| Compare fares across a few days | Opening fares on new routes are often attractive but move fast |
| Baggage allowance | Low-cost carriers often charge extra for checked bags |
| Travel documents | ID rules differ by destination — carry a passport |
A practical tip: new-route launches often open with promotional fares for the first few weeks. If Kathmandu is on your plan, setting a fare alert for late October and November could help you catch the lowest prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do the new Air India Express flights from Bengaluru start?
The new services are scheduled to begin on October 25, 2026, as part of the airline’s winter schedule. Confirm the date on the airline’s official website before booking.
2. How often will Bengaluru–Kathmandu flights operate?
The airline plans daily flights — seven services a week, according to the announcement.
3. Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Kathmandu?
Indian citizens generally do not need a visa for Nepal, and a valid government photo ID is typically accepted. Carrying a valid passport is still recommended. Check official guidance before travelling.
4. Which other new routes were announced from Bengaluru?
Along with Kathmandu: daily flights to Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa), Jodhpur and Madurai, plus twice-daily flights to Coimbatore.
5. Are fares cheaper on newly launched routes?
Often, yes — airlines usually open new routes with introductory fares to fill seats. But fares change with demand, so compare across dates and book when the price looks right.
For related travel reading, see our travel advisory on entry rules and our guide on UAE visa rule changes. Sunlight Holidays se apply karein — Payment After Reach model, bhaari advance nahi, pehle bharosa.
📞 Sunlight Holidays se baat karein
Visa, tour package ya videsh job se judi kisi bhi jaankari ke liye WhatsApp karein: 9720 3449 39
💰 Payment After Reach model — bhaari advance nahi, pehle bharosa.
📝 Consultation/Application fee: ₹799 (non-refundable, kaam shuru hone ke baad)
⚠️ Disclaimer: Sunlight Holidays ek travel consultancy hai — hum sarkar, embassy ya immigration department nahi hain. Visa approval, fees, processing time aur final faisla sambandhit embassy/sarkari authority ka hota hai. Kripya antim nirnay se pehle official embassy/government website se latest jaankari verify zaroor karein.
Sources: Deccan Herald — https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/air-india-express-to-add-five-routes-from-bengaluru-4177283 ; News Karnataka — https://newskarnataka.com/bengaluru/bengaluru-gets-five-new-air-india-express-routes/10102026/ ; Asian Aviation (Flyadeal Mumbai–Riyadh) — https://asianaviation.com/posts/airline-news-in-brief-06-october-2026