BENGALURU: Air India Express will introduce five new flight routes from Bengaluru as part of its winter schedule, expanding domestic and international connectivity from Kempegowda International Airport. The new services are scheduled to begin on October 25, 2026, and will connect Bengaluru with Kathmandu, Goa, Jodhpur, Madurai and Coimbatore.
The expansion is part of the airline’s largest-ever winter schedule, which includes more than 40 new routes across its network. The additional services are expected to provide passengers with more travel options and strengthen connectivity between Bengaluru and key destinations in India and neighbouring countries.Bengaluru-Kathmandu flight to operate daily
Kathmandu will become a new international destination served by Air India Express from Bengaluru under the announced expansion. The airline plans to operate daily flights on the route, providing seven services a week.
The new connection is expected to offer travellers a direct option between Bengaluru and Nepal’s capital. Kathmandu is an important destination for tourism, cultural visits and religious travel, while Bengaluru serves as a major centre for business and technology.
The addition will also expand the airline’s international network from Bengaluru as it increases services during the winter travel season.
Three new domestic destinations added
Air India Express will also introduce daily flights connecting Bengaluru with Goa’s Manohar International Airport, Jodhpur and Madurai.
The Bengaluru-Goa service will add another travel option for passengers heading to the coastal state, which attracts tourists throughout the year. The connection to Jodhpur will improve access to Rajasthan’s historic city, known for its forts, palaces and tourism attractions.
The Bengaluru-Madurai route will provide a direct air connection between Karnataka’s capital and an important city in southern Tamil Nadu. Madurai is known for the Meenakshi Amman Temple and its significance as a religious and cultural destination.
Coimbatore will receive the highest frequency among the five additions, with Air India Express planning to operate 14 flights a week. The service will strengthen connectivity between Bengaluru and the industrial city in western Tamil Nadu, which has strong links with manufacturing, textiles, healthcare and education.
The additional flights are expected to give passengers greater flexibility when planning trips between Bengaluru and these destinations.
New routes form part of winter schedule expansion
The new Bengaluru services are part of Air India Express’s broader winter schedule for 2026, which begins on October 25. The airline plans to introduce more than 40 new domestic and international routes through a phased rollout.
The expanded schedule covers 65 stations and 220 routes, according to reports. The airline is also increasing connectivity to selected destinations in the Gulf and Southeast Asia while adding domestic services.
Winter schedules are introduced by airlines to accommodate seasonal travel demand and adjust flight operations. The latest expansion reflects Air India Express’s efforts to broaden its network and offer more direct connections between cities.
Bengaluru remains a key market for the carrier because of its business activity, technology sector, tourism demand and role as a gateway to southern India.
What the expansion means for passengers
The five new routes will give travellers departing from Bengaluru more choices for both domestic and international journeys. Daily services to Kathmandu, Goa, Jodhpur and Madurai will provide regular connections, while twice-daily service to Coimbatore will offer additional scheduling flexibility.
Passengers should check the airline’s official booking platform for flight timings, availability and fares before making travel plans. Schedules and fares may vary depending on the date of travel.
With the new routes set to begin on October 25, Air India Express’s winter schedule will add to Bengaluru’s air connectivity and provide more options for passengers travelling to destinations across India and Nepal.