Air India Express is expanding its network with the addition of Dhaka as its 15th international destination. Starting on 3 September 2024, the airline will operate six direct flights weekly between Dhaka and both Kolkata and Chennai. This expansion boosts connectivity between India and Bangladesh, opening new avenues for economic growth and travel.
Air India Express Announces Dhaka As Its Next Destination
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From the outset, passengers can book flights through Air India Express’s award-winning website, mobile app, and other major booking channels. Introductory Xpress Lite fares are now available, with prices starting at:
- ₹3443 for Kolkata-Dhaka,
- ₹4609 for Dhaka-Kolkata,
- ₹4796 for Chennai-Dhaka, and
- ₹7223 for Dhaka-Chennai.
The flight schedule for the new routes is as follows:
- From Kolkata to Dhaka, flights will depart at 11:55 and arrive at 13:30, operating Tuesday to Sunday.
- For the return journey, flights from Dhaka to Kolkata will leave at 23:10 and arrive at 23:45, also running from Tuesday to Sunday.
- Flights from Chennai to Dhaka will depart at 19:00 and arrive at 22:10, with the same Tuesday to Sunday operation.
- Conversely, flights from Dhaka to Chennai will depart at 14:30 and arrive at 16:50, operating daily from Tuesday to Sunday.
Trade, Tourism, And Medical Travel
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In a press release, Aloke Singh, the Managing Director of Air India Express, remarked that the launch of direct flights to Dhaka from Kolkata and Chennai represented a significant milestone. He noted that it would enhance connectivity across the Indian subcontinent, providing a more convenient travel experience. Singh emphasised that this expansion would not only strengthen regional ties but also support trade, tourism, and medical travel between the two countries.
The new routes also offer connections to Air India Express flights to the Gulf region and long-haul international flights operated by Air India. Passengers from cities like Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Imphal, Jaipur, Surat, and Varanasi can now enjoy seamless one-stop connectivity to Dhaka via Kolkata or Chennai. Conversely, passengers from Dhaka can travel to these Indian cities with ease.
This expansion makes Kolkata the third-largest hub for Air India Express, with 158 weekly flights connecting the city to 13 destinations directly and 20 destinations through one-stop itineraries. Chennai also sees significant activity, with over 85 weekly flights connecting 13 destinations directly and 24 destinations via one-stop routes. In addition, last week Air India Express announced Agartala as its 32nd domestic destination, with daily direct flights linking the capital of Tripura to Kolkata and Guwahati.
Cover Image Courtesy: Flickr
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