Air India Express has been announced as the winner in the airline category at Wings India 2026, constituted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in collaboration with FICCI and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The airline has been selected by the distinguished jury for enhancing the guest experience, growing connectivity, delivering superior service, leveraging digital and technology, driving sustainability, and fostering innovation. The award will be presented on 28th January at Wings India, India’s premier aviation event, in Hyderabad.
Air India Express’ growing network spans 45 domestic and 17 international destinations across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf region. With over 500 daily flights, the airline is the fastest-growing carrier in India, offering guests enhanced choice, connectivity, and schedule flexibility. The airline now operates a fleet of over 100 aeroplanes, with over two-thirds comprising brand-new Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
The airline’s network is anchored by its three largest hubs – Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, which together form the backbone of its connectivity. These hubs enable seamless transfers and improved schedule reliability, enhancing convenience and efficiency for guests. Nearly 80% of domestic capacity is deployed on routes connecting metros to non-metros, the fastest-growing segment in Indian aviation. By the end of FY25, the airline operated over 1,260 weekly domestic flights across approximately 120 routes, reflecting a 47% year-on-year increase. Of the 20 million guests carried by Air India Express in FY25, nearly three-fourths were domestic travellers.
This momentum accelerated further in FY26, with weekly domestic flights rising to around 2,700, an increase of nearly 115%. As part of this unprecedented expansion, the airline launched 12 new stations in 2025, further strengthening network reach and accessibility.
Beyond point-to-point connectivity, Air India Express also plays a distinct role through its successful codeshare partnership with Air India. This integration enables guests from emerging cities to connect seamlessly, on a single PNR, to long-haul international destinations across North America, Europe, and other global markets. By connecting non-metros to global cities, Air India Express is bringing the world closer to interior India, transforming regional airports into gateways for international travel.