BENGALURU- Tata Group-owned Low-Cost Carrier, Air India Express (IX) has expanded its international operations with the launch of non-stop flights between Bengaluru (BLR), Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), and Dammam (DMM), starting January 1, 2025, and January 2, 2025, respectively.

These new routes make Air India Express the first and only airline to offer direct flights between the two cities and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s Middle Eastern expansion.

Air India Express Dammam Expansion

The new services cater to the growing demand for direct connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia, especially with the Indian expatriate community in the Gulf region.

Bengaluru-Dammam Flight Schedule:

Starting January 1, 2025, Air India Express will operate tri-weekly flights between Bengaluru (BLR) and Dammam (DMM).

• The flight from Dammam, IX484, will depart at 5:50 AM local time and land in Bengaluru at 12:50 PM.
• The return flight, IX483, will leave Bengaluru at 1:50 PM and arrive in Dammam at 4:30 PM local time.
• These flights will be operated using the Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft, offering passengers a modern and comfortable travel experience.

Tiruchirappalli-Dammam Flight Schedule:

Starting January 2, 2025, Air India Express will operate bi-weekly flights between Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) and Dammam (DMM).

• The flight from Tiruchirappalli, IX927, will leave Tiruchirappalli at 06:05 AM and arrive in Dammam at 09:10 AM local time.
• The return flight, IX928, will depart from Dammam at 10:10 AM local time and land in Tiruchirappalli at 05:40 PM.
• These flights will be operated using the Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft, offering passengers a modern and comfortable travel experience.

Bengaluru-Dammam Market Overview

The Bengaluru-Dammam route primarily caters to Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) traffic, with a significant portion of passengers comprising Indian expatriates working in Saudi Arabia. This demographic, along with a steady flow of business travelers and pilgrims, has contributed to a growing demand for direct connectivity between the two cities.

In the financial year 2023-24 period, the Bengaluru-Dammam sector witnessed over 43,000 flyers, highlighting the robust demand and untapped potential in this market. The introduction of Air India Express’s non-stop flights is set to address this demand, offering passengers a convenient and time-saving travel option.

By being the first and only airline to operate this route, Air India Express not only meets the immediate travel needs of this market but also positions itself to attract a loyal customer base, capitalizing on the absence of direct competition.

AIX’s Middle East Network

These new services further expand Air India Express’s Middle Eastern network. The airline already operates flights from Dammam to 10 Indian airports, including Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram.

With Bengaluru and Tiruchirappalli now being the 11th and 12th destinations, the airline is reinforcing its commitment to providing affordable and efficient air travel between India and the Gulf region.

Bottom Line

Air India Express’s bold move to launch direct flights between Bengaluru, Tiruchirappalli, and Dammam highlights its commitment to tapping into high-demand yet underserved markets. This strategic addition not only strengthens the airline’s foothold in the Middle Eastern sector but also meets the growing needs of VFR and business travelers.

However, this development is likely to attract close attention from IndiGo, known for its swift responses to competitors’ expansions, particularly from Bengaluru.

A recent example is the Bengaluru-Abu Dhabi route, where IndiGo Airlines (6E) announced services just days after Air India Express’s announcement. Will IndiGo follow suit for the Bengaluru-Dammam sector as well? Let’s see.

All Photos by Harsh Tekriwal | Instagram

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The post Air India Express Adds Two New Routes to Saudi Arabia appeared first on Aviation A2Z.