Air India Express Continues Rapid Expansion: Introduces Phuket and Dibrugarh to Its Network

Air India Express Continues Rapid Expansion: Introduces Phuket and Dibrugarh to Its Network

By Author

Published on January 2, 2025

Air India Express, continuing its ambitious expansion strategy, has announced the addition of two new destinations to its growing network: Phuket in Thailand and Dibrugarh in Assam. These launches underline the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across international and domestic routes, offering travelers more choices and convenience.

Following its recent launch of direct flights to Bangkok, Air India Express will now connect Hyderabad and Phuket with direct flights starting January 31, 2025. Initially operating three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the frequency will increase to six times a week from February 15, with daily flights except Tuesdays. To mark this milestone, the airline has introduced special inaugural fares, starting at ₹11,000 for Xpress Value fares and ₹10,500 for Xpress Lite fares. Additional discounts are available for loyalty members via the airline’s website and mobile apps.

Domestically, Air India Express has added Dibrugarh to its network, following the inclusion of Dimapur in November 2024. The new route will connect Dibrugarh to Guwahati, with onward connectivity to Delhi. This provides travelers from Assam with seamless access to the national capital and other destinations. Bookings for these routes are now open on the airline’s website and other major platforms.

Hyderabad-Phuket Schedule (Effective January 31, 2025)

  • Departure from Hyderabad: 06:40 AM | Arrival in Phuket: 11:55 AM (Monday*)

  • Departure from Phuket: 13:50 PM | Arrival in Hyderabad: 15:55 PM

  • Departure from Hyderabad: 12:20 PM | Arrival in Phuket: 17:35 PM (Wednesday & Friday)

  • Departure from Phuket: 18:20 PM | Arrival in Hyderabad: 20:25 PM

  • Departure from Hyderabad: 16:15 PM | Arrival in Phuket: 21:30 PM (Thursday*)

  • Departure from Phuket: 22:30 PM | Arrival in Hyderabad: 00:35 AM

  • Departure from Hyderabad: 11:50 AM | Arrival in Phuket: 17:05 PM (Saturday* & Sunday)

  • Departure from Phuket: 18:05 PM | Arrival in Hyderabad: 20:10 PM (*Starting February 15)

Delhi-Guwahati-Dibrugarh Schedule (Effective February 1, 2025)

  • Departure from Delhi: 09:10 AM | Arrival in Guwahati: 11:40 AM (Daily)

  • Departure from Guwahati: 12:15 PM | Arrival in Dibrugarh: 13:05 PM (Daily)

  • Departure from Dibrugarh: 13:45 PM | Arrival in Guwahati: 15:15 PM (Daily)

  • Departure from Guwahati: 15:50 PM | Arrival in Delhi: 19:00 PM (Daily)

Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, remarked, “We are delighted to announce Phuket and Dibrugarh as the newest additions to our growing network. Phuket’s dynamic appeal enhances our Southeast Asia presence, while Dibrugarh, our fifth destination in Northeast India, reinforces our commitment to fostering regional growth. This winter is a landmark for Air India Express, as we expand our network to over 50 destinations with a rapidly growing fleet exceeding 90 aircraft, poised to cross 100 in early 2025.”

Air India Express will offer convenient one-stop flights to Phuket from 16 cities, including Bhubaneswar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jeddah, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, Pune, Riyadh, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam via Hyderabad. From Dibrugarh, travelers can connect to five major cities—Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, and Kolkata—with seamless onward travel options.

Renowned as the 'Tea City of India,' Dibrugarh is a key industrial and cultural hub in Upper Assam, thriving on tea, oil, and tourism. This addition highlights Air India Express’s mission to create meaningful connections and foster opportunities for trade, tourism, and exploration.

From Delhi, Air India Express connects 17 domestic and 4 international destinations with direct flights, and an additional 14 domestic and 7 international destinations with one-stop flights. From Guwahati, the airline operates 140 weekly flights, directly connecting 10 domestic destinations and providing one-stop connectivity to 20 domestic and 7 international destinations. Hyderabad serves as a significant hub, with 215 weekly flights connecting 20 domestic and 4 international destinations directly, and additional one-stop connections to 12 domestic and 10 international destinations.

With its expanding network, Air India Express continues to redefine travel, bridging distances and bringing people closer with its hallmark Indian warmth and personalized service.


SpiceJet Announces Special Diwali Flights to Ayodhya from Key Indian Cities

SpiceJet Announces Special Diwali Flights to Ayodhya from Key Indian Cities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 7, 2025

SpiceJet has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights connecting Ayodhya with Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad starting October 8, 2025. The initiative coincides with the Diwali festive season, making travel to the Shri Ram Temple easier for devotees and tourists while reinforcing SpiceJet’s commitment to affordable and accessible travel.

The new services will be introduced in a phased manner to ensure seamless connectivity and reliable operations. SpiceJet also revealed that flights from Mumbai to Ayodhya are under consideration to meet the growing travel demand during the festive and winter seasons.

Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said, “There could be no better occasion than Diwali to visit Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. We are delighted to make travel to the holy city easier and more convenient for devotees and tourists alike. Our new daily flights from key metros will ensure smooth and affordable access to Ayodhya during Diwali, allowing passengers to celebrate the festival in its most divine setting.”

The special Diwali flight services are expected to cater to increased passenger traffic, offering greater flexibility for travellers from major Indian cities. This network expansion strengthens SpiceJet’s domestic reach while supporting religious and seasonal tourism.

SpiceJet, an IATA-IOSA certified airline, operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and continues to be among India’s largest regional carriers under the UDAN scheme. The airline remains focused on expanding its network to meet cultural and regional travel needs across the country.


Qantas to Resume Non-Stop Delhi–Melbourne Flights Ahead of India–Australia T20

Qantas to Resume Non-Stop Delhi–Melbourne Flights Ahead of India–Australia T20

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 7, 2025

Qantas, Australia’s largest airline and national carrier, has announced the return of its non-stop flights between Delhi and Melbourne, set to begin on 27 October 2025. Operating three times a week until 28 March 2026, the service re-establishes a key route in the airline’s India–Australia network ahead of the busy travel and cricket season.

The reinstated connection offers Indian travellers direct access to Melbourne, one of Australia’s most popular cities known for its cultural diversity, culinary appeal, and proximity to iconic attractions such as the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, and Phillip Island.

The timing of the relaunch coincides with major cricket fixtures, including the India–Australia T20 match scheduled for 31 October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The first Qantas flight on this route will land in Melbourne on 28 October, giving fans convenient access to the event and the city’s vibrant summer sporting calendar, which also features the Ashes and Big Bash League tournaments.

Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, said, “We’re delighted to bring back our non-stop connection between Delhi and Melbourne, just in time for the busy travel season. Flying direct significantly reduces travel time to Australia, and these new flights are perfectly suited for Indian fans attending cricket events in Melbourne, including the T20 series in late October, the Ashes and Big Bash League later in the year.”

He added, “To help support our growing presence in India, we have opened new offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to service our Indian customers, and promote our non-stop flights to Sydney and Melbourne.”

The flights will be operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft, featuring 26 lie-flat Business Class suites and 204 Economy seats. Across three weekly return services, Qantas will offer over 1,300 seats per week between Delhi and Melbourne, adding more than 30,000 seats during the peak travel season.


Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

Sri Lanka Launches Three-City Roadshow Across Southern India

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism is intensifying its efforts to attract Indian travellers with a three-city roadshow series across Southern India. Scheduled for Madurai, Coimbatore, and Chennai on October 6, 8, and 10, 2025 respectively, the initiative will highlight Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings and strengthen ties with the Indian travel industry.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the roadshows will feature B2B sessions and networking evenings designed to showcase Sri Lanka as a year-round destination for all types of travellers. The events will introduce Indian travel agents and industry professionals to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, its vibrant attractions, and growing opportunities for leisure and MICE travel.

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“This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and world-class hospitality,” said the delegation led by Mr. Vijitha Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism.

The delegation includes over 40 stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers. Each city’s event will host over 200 participants, comprising Indian travel agents, industry leaders, and media representatives.

Adding a vibrant touch to the experience, a Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe will perform at each venue, offering guests a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and traditions.

About SLTPB & SLCB

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is the government agency responsible for marketing and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. Working closely with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, SLCB, and other stakeholders, SLTPB aims to position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s leading tourist destination.

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau focuses on promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel to Sri Lanka. With world-class venues and improved accessibility, SLCB facilitates event planning for international corporations, associations, and incentive houses. India remains a key market for the bureau’s promotional activities.

Both organisations operate under the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Foreign Affairs & Tourism of Sri Lanka, combining efforts to promote the country’s leisure and business tourism offerings.

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