Air India Express Expands Domestic Network with 24 New Aircraft to Strengthen Metro-to-Non-Metro Connectivity

Published on November 3, 2025

In a strategic move to bolster its presence in India’s booming aviation market, Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, has announced plans to add 20 to 24 new aircraft to its fleet in the upcoming calendar year. This expansion comes in response to the rising demand for domestic air travel, which continues to outpace the international segment in growth.

With the airline’s current fleet consisting of over 110 aircraft, including the Airbus 320/321 and Boeing 737 models, this significant investment in new planes reflects Air India Express’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in India’s fast-growing aviation sector.

Strengthening Domestic Focus

As per the airline’s Managing Director, Aloke Singh, the delivery timeline for the new aircraft will depend on supply chain conditions and Boeing’s production schedule. However, this fleet expansion aligns with the airline’s ongoing effort to shift its operations towards domestic travel, which has been seeing remarkable growth.

Two years ago, nearly 60% of Air India Express’s operations were focused on short-haul international routes, with the remaining 40% dedicated to domestic travel. However, the landscape has drastically changed, and the balance is now evenly split between domestic and international operations. This shift emphasizes the airline’s growing emphasis on catering to the domestic market, which is projected to continue expanding at a faster pace than international travel.

Metro-to-Non-Metro Routes: The Core of Air India Express’s Growth Strategy

In terms of strategic expansion, Air India Express is focusing on the metro-to-non-metro routes. These routes, connecting major cities with smaller Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, are becoming the most vital and fastest-growing segment of the Indian aviation market. As part of its “depth before spread” strategy, Air India Express plans to consolidate its presence on these key city-pairs instead of rapidly expanding to new, untested markets.

This approach will help the airline capture a significant share of the market, aiming for about one-third of the total traffic on major routes. By focusing on these lucrative routes, Air India Express hopes to become a preferred choice for value-conscious travelers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and leisure passengers.

Targeting High-Growth Markets

Air India Express has positioned itself to serve the high-demand, high-growth segments of the Indian aviation industry. Currently, around 80% of the airline’s domestic capacity is focused on metro-to-non-metro routes. These include popular connections between major metropolitan cities and smaller regional hubs, which have seen an increase in both business and leisure travel.

With the addition of new aircraft, Air India Express is set to enhance its capacity on these routes, providing more options for passengers traveling to and from smaller cities. This will not only meet the increasing demand but also help in reducing congestion at major airports while fostering economic growth in emerging regions.

Catering to Value-Conscious Travelers

As part of its focus on serving the broader domestic market, Air India Express is targeting value-conscious travelers. By offering affordable fares, the airline plans to cater to a wide demographic, including business professionals, budget tourists, and small businesses looking to connect to larger markets. This approach positions Air India Express as a key player in the country’s low-cost travel sector.

For small and medium enterprises, Air India Express’s increased presence on metro-to-non-metro routes will be particularly beneficial, enabling easier access to both business hubs and emerging markets across the country. The airline’s expansion is set to benefit not just the travelers but also local economies by making business connections more accessible.

Sustainable Growth and Future Prospects

The domestic aviation market in India is one of the fastest-growing in the world. With a growing middle class, increasing urbanization, and greater disposable income, air travel is becoming more accessible to people across the country. Air India Express is positioning itself to take full advantage of this trend by investing in new aircraft and expanding its presence on key domestic routes.

By focusing on high-growth, metro-to-non-metro routes and catering to value-conscious travelers, Air India Express aims to build a more sustainable business model in India’s competitive aviation industry. As the airline continues to grow, its increased fleet and expanded network will ensure that it remains a key player in the rapidly evolving domestic market.