Air India Express, the budget arm of the Air India group, is set to enhance connectivity between central India and the popular coastal state of Goa with the introduction of daily flights between Indore and Goa's Dabolim International Airport. The new service is scheduled to commence on October 26, 2025, offering travelers a convenient link between these two vibrant destinations.

Flight Schedule

The airline has announced a passenger-friendly schedule for the new route:

This timing allows for morning departures and afternoon returns, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

Booking Information

Passengers interested in availing this new service can book their tickets through multiple channels:

• Air India Express website
• Air India Express mobile app
• Various booking platforms

Air India Express Network Expansion

The introduction of this route is part of Air India Express's ongoing efforts to strengthen its domestic network. Currently, the airline operates:

• Over 45 weekly flights
• Serving 36 domestic destinations
• International routes to Sharjah and seven other destinations

Goa as a Hub

Goa's Dabolim International Airport serves as a significant hub for Air India Express, with the carrier offering:

• 40 weekly flights
• Connections to 6 domestic destinations
• Links to 5 international destinations

Air India Group's Growing Presence

As part of the larger Air India group, this expansion contributes to the conglomerate's extensive operations:

• Over 300 aircraft in service
• Coverage of 55 domestic destinations
• Flights to 45 international destinations

The launch of the Indore-Goa route by Air India Express marks another step in improving air connectivity within India, potentially boosting tourism and business ties between Madhya Pradesh and Goa.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns over reported large-scale cancellations of Air India Express services from Kerala airports during the upcoming winter schedule. In a letter addressed to Air India Managing Director Campbell Wilson, Tharoor highlighted the potential impact on Kerala's high international passenger traffic, particularly to the Gulf region.

Flight Cancellations and Their Impact

The cancellations, set to take effect from late October to March, affect flights from four major Kerala airports:

• Thiruvananthapuram
• Kochi
• Kozhikode
• Kannur

Tharoor emphasized that these service curtailments could cause significant hardship to various groups, including:

• Migrant workers
• Students
• Tourists
• Families

Moreover, the Congress leader warned that the cancellations could hamper trade and tourism in the region.

Criticism of Air India's Strategy

Tharoor didn't limit his criticism to Air India Express. He also took aim at the parent company, Air India, for withdrawing business-class services on the Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram route. The politician cautioned that such decisions could benefit competitors like IndiGo and Akasa Air if Air India continues to disregard Kerala's interests.

Air India Express and Its Parent Company

Air India Express, the low-cost arm of the Tata-owned Air India Group, has been an important carrier for Kerala's international travelers, particularly those flying to Gulf countries. The reported cancellations come at a time when the aviation industry is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implications for Kerala's Air Connectivity

Kerala's high international passenger traffic, especially to the Gulf region, makes these cancellations particularly significant. The state has a large diaspora working in Gulf countries, and these flight reductions could potentially disrupt travel plans and impact the local economy.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Air India Express and its parent company will respond to the concerns raised by Tharoor and potentially affected passengers. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the airline adjusts its winter schedule or maintains the reported cancellations, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of air travel from Kerala to the Gulf region.