Air India
India
Air India Express
The Air India group's low-cost airline, linking India and the Gulf
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IndiaCountry
- IXIATA Code
- AXBICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- Low-CostAirline Type
Guide reviewed
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About Air India Express
Air India Express is the low-cost airline of the Air India group, flying across India and to the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Every fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag, and Xpress Value fares to the Gulf include 30 kg of checked baggage in two pieces. This guide covers each fare’s baggage, web check-in and bag drop times, power bank rules, refunds and how Air India Express compares with IndiGo and Air India.
Air India Express started flying in 2005, mainly linking Kerala with the Gulf. In October 2024 it merged with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) to form one larger low-cost airline within the Air India group.
Contents
Web Check-In
Web check-in is free. It opens 48 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before domestic flights and 75 minutes before international flights.
From 1 June 2026, bag drop counters close 60 minutes before departure (75 minutes for international flights from Delhi). Kerala airports get very busy in Gulf holiday periods, so arrive three hours early for international flights.
Power Bank Rules on Indian Flights
India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, tightened power bank rules from January 2026, and they apply to Air India Express:
- Power banks may not be used or charged during the flight.
- Carry them in hand baggage only, never in checked bags.
- Up to 100 Wh is allowed; 100–160 Wh needs the airline’s approval; above 160 Wh is banned.
Families and Special Assistance
Families can add infants and children to one booking, and infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Wheelchair assistance should be requested in advance.
How to Find Cheap Air India Express Flights
- Pick Value for the Gulf: it is usually cheaper than Lite plus extra baggage.
- Avoid peaks: Eid, Onam, Christmas and the summer school break push Gulf fares up sharply.
- Compare Kerala airports: Kochi, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram can differ a lot.
- Watch for sales: the airline runs frequent sales on its website and app.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Air India Express next to IndiGo, flydubai and others.
Air India Express vs IndiGo vs Air India
All three fly widely within India and to the Gulf.
| Air India Express | IndiGo | Air India | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline type | Low-cost | Low-cost | Full-service |
| Cabin bag | 7 kg | 7 kg | 7 kg in Economy |
| Gulf checked bag | 30 kg on Value | Depends on fare | Included |
| Meals | Paid (included in Biz) | Paid | Included |
| Loyalty | Maharaja Club | BluChip | Maharaja Club |
See our IndiGo guide and Air India guide to compare.
Arriving in Bengaluru
Kempegowda International Airport is about 35 km from central Bengaluru. Airport buses and app-based cabs run to the city, and traffic can be heavy.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is Air India Express a Good Airline?
Yes, for value. Air India Express has a large network from South India, generous Gulf baggage on Value fares and the backing of the Air India group. Lite fares include no checked bag, so compare total prices with the bags you need.
For more options, see our flydubai guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against published Air India Express baggage rules and DGCA guidance. Allowances vary by route, so check the official Air India Express website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
Air India Express is not a member of a global airline alliance. It is part of the Air India group, which is a Star Alliance member.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
Air India Express works with its parent Air India, and some itineraries combine both airlines.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Air India Express has bases across India, including Kochi (COK), Kozhikode (CCJ), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), Bengaluru (BLR), Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM).
Popular Air India Express Routes
Popular Air India Express routes link Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram with Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, plus domestic routes such as Delhi–Bengaluru. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
Air India Express Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
Air India Express sells Xpress Lite (cabin bag only), Xpress Value, Xpress Flex (lower change fees) and Xpress Biz (more legroom, meals and baggage).
Under the DGCA free look-in rule, eligible domestic bookings made more than 7 days before departure can be changed or cancelled without a fee within 48 hours of booking. After that you pay any fare difference plus a change fee for your fare type, with lower fees on Flex. Government and airport taxes are refundable even on cheap fares.
- Xpress Lite Cabin bag only and the strictest rules.
- Xpress Value Adds a checked bag (30 kg on Gulf routes).
- Xpress Flex Lower change fees and more flexibility.
- Xpress Biz More legroom, meals and baggage.
- DGCA free look-in Free change or cancellation within 48 hours of booking on eligible domestic bookings made more than 7 days ahead.
- Taxes Government and airport taxes are refundable.
- How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on airindiaexpress.com or the app.
Air India Express Seat Selection & Additional Services
Seats, meals and extra baggage are available as add-ons on cheaper fares. Hot Gourmair meals can be pre-booked online for less than on board, and Xpress Biz seats at the front of the cabin offer extra legroom and include a meal.
- Seat selection Paid on cheaper fares.
- Xpress Biz More legroom and meals.
- Meals Pre-book Gourmair meals.
- Extra bags Cheaper when bought online.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.
Air India Express Baggage Allowance
Every fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag of about 55 × 40 × 20 cm, plus a personal item that fits under the seat. Checked baggage depends on the fare and where you fly: Xpress Lite includes none, Value includes 15 kg domestic and Flex 20 kg, and Biz 25 kg.
On India–Gulf routes, Value and Flex include 30 kg in two pieces (raised in 2025) and Biz 40 kg, which makes the airline good value for families and workers carrying luggage home. The heaviest single piece is 32 kg. Buy extra baggage online in Manage Booking up to 4 hours before departure, as it costs much more at the counter.
- Cabin (all fares) 7 kg, about 55 × 40 × 20 cm, plus a personal item.
- Xpress Lite No checked bag on domestic or Gulf routes.
- Xpress Value 15 kg domestic; 30 kg (2 pieces) India–Gulf.
- Xpress Flex 20 kg domestic; 30 kg (2 pieces) India–Gulf.
- Xpress Biz 25 kg domestic; 40 kg India–Gulf.
- Heaviest piece 32 kg.
- Extra baggage Buy online up to 4 hours before departure.
Maharaja Club: Air India Express Loyalty Programme
As part of the Air India group, eligible Air India Express flights can earn points in Maharaja Club, Air India's loyalty programme. Check the earning rules for your fare before you fly.
- Programme Maharaja Club (Air India).
- Earn Points on eligible Air India Express flights.
- Check before you fly Earning depends on your fare.
Air India Express: Frequently Asked Questions
01What are Air India Express’ IATA and ICAO codes?
The airline's two-character IATA code is IX. It appears in flight numbers (for example IX 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is AXB, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.
02Which airline alliance is Air India Express part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
03Where is Air India Express headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
04When was Air India Express founded?
The airline was founded in 2005.
05What are Air India Express’ main hubs?
Its main hubs and focus cities are: Bengaluru (BLR) – Base; Delhi (DEL) – Base.
06What is Air India Express’ frequent flyer programme called?
The frequent flyer programme is called Maharaja Club. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.
07What is Air India Express' cabin baggage allowance?
Every fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag plus a personal item.
08How much baggage does Air India Express allow to the Gulf?
Xpress Value and Flex include 30 kg in two pieces on India–Gulf routes, and Xpress Biz 40 kg. Xpress Lite includes no checked bag.
09Can I cancel an Air India Express flight for free?
Eligible domestic bookings made more than 7 days ahead can be changed or cancelled free within 48 hours of booking. Government and airport taxes are always refundable.
10Is Air India Express the same as AirAsia India?
AirAsia India became AIX Connect and merged into Air India Express in October 2024, so they now fly as one airline.
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