New Look, New Routes: Air India Express Levels Up This Winter

It has been just two years since Air India Express began reimagining itself under the larger Vihaan.ai transformation plan, but the change is beginning to show—not just on paper, but in the cabin itself. This winter, the airline has introduced refreshed interiors on its latest Boeing 737-8 aircraft, unveiled at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The aircraft, registered VT-BWD, doesn’t just represent a renewal of hardware, but a clear shift in how the airline wants to be perceived: warmer, more contemporary, and proudly rooted in Indian identity.

Cultural Identity Takes Flight

The new aircraft continues the airline’s now-distinctive design tradition of showcasing cultural motifs from across India. VT-BWD features a striking Tsüngkotepsü-inspired tail art, the bold, patterned warrior shawl of the Ao Naga tribe from Nagaland. Historically, this shawl symbolised courage, honour, and social stature. Now, high above the clouds, it becomes an emblem of the carrier’s commitment to celebrating regional artistry as a living, everyday expression, one that travellers encounter the moment they step on board.

Inside the cabin, the changes lean toward modern comfort. Seats come upholstered in leatherette finishes with generously improved padding and armrests, offering a noticeably softer and more supportive seating experience. Passengers will find in-seat USB-C charging ports, mood lighting inspired by the Boeing Sky Interior system, and refreshed carpeting designed to create a warmer and more contemporary ambience. At 189 seats, the cabin retains efficiency, but the ergonomics have been dialled up for comfort, particularly in the exit rows where the legroom stretches to 38 inches.

A Fresh Meal Experience

One of the biggest returns, and arguably the most welcomed by frequent flyers, is hot meals on board. The airline’s onboard ovens are back in use, enabling its ‘Gourmair’ menu to be served warm across domestic and short-haul routes. The food catalogue has also expanded, featuring options like Awadhi biryani, kebab platters, paneer makhani with rice, omelettes, salads, and even a new line of “celebration cakes” passengers can pre-book if they’re flying for a special occasion. It’s a small gesture that aligns with the airline’s larger push to position itself not just as affordable, but thoughtful and personable.

The renewed focus extends to snacks and lighter bites too, barley salads, quinoa bowls, and vegetable rolls serve the growing segment of wellness-oriented travellers. In short, the idea is clear: comfort and convenience should not be at odds with flavour or mood.

A Bigger, Busier Winter

Alongside the refreshed cabin, Winter 2025 marks a major expansion in the airline’s network. Compared to the previous winter season, operations have grown by over 25 per cent, bringing the total to more than 2,700 domestic flights and over 780 international flights weekly. This includes 48 new domestic routes and 10 new short-haul international connections, many of them linking Tier-II cities to major hubs.

Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai emerge as the airline’s strategic hubs this season. From Bengaluru alone, Air India Express now connects to Bangkok, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh, while domestic departures from the city have increased from 63 to 77 every week. Delhi, too, sees a significant bump, from 42 to 60 departures, strengthening high-traffic connectivity.

This restructuring pushes the share of departures from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to nearly 74 per cent of total domestic operations, a deliberate shift towards hub-based scheduling. More frequencies mean better connection timings, reduced layovers, and smoother travel planning, factors that matter deeply to both business and leisure flyers.

With its refreshed cabin interiors, renewed service philosophy, and an expansive winter schedule, Air India Express is placing itself firmly in the space between affordability and meaningful comfort. The changes may not be loud, but they are layered, and they signal a brand that is learning to speak to travellers not as mere passengers, but as guests in transit.

FAQs

1. What new features are included in the refreshed Air India Express cabins?
The cabins now have upgraded leatherette seats, mood lighting, better legroom, and USB-C charging ports.

2. Are hot meals available on board?
Yes, Air India Express has reintroduced hot ‘Gourmair’ meals on select domestic and international routes.

3. How much has the airline expanded its Winter 2025 schedule?
The network has grown by over 25 per cent compared to Winter 2024.

4. Which cities see increased flights this winter?
Bengaluru and Delhi see significant increases in weekly domestic departures.

5. What new international routes have been added?
New international routes include Bengaluru to Bangkok, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh.