Saturday, May 31, 2025
Air India Express is strengthening its international presence with the launch of a new daily non-stop service between Bengaluru and Kathmandu, set to commence on June 1. This strategic addition not only boosts cross-border connectivity between India and Nepal but also reinforces Bengaluru’s role as a growing aviation hub in South Asia. The new route is part of the airline’s broader expansion strategy aimed at enhancing regional accessibility and providing travelers with more convenient, direct flight options.
Air India Express is all set to enhance its international footprint with the launch of a new daily non-stop service between Bengaluru and Kathmandu, commencing June 1. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for the airline, as it strengthens cross-border connectivity between India and Nepal while also reinforcing Bengaluru’s status as a major aviation hub in the region.
Reservations for the new route are now open through Air India Express’s official website, airindiaexpress.com as well as through leading online travel agencies and offline ticketing platforms. To celebrate the launch, the airline has introduced attractive inaugural fares, starting at ₹8,000 for the budget-friendly Xpress Lite category and ₹8,500 for the more flexible Xpress Value fare.
Flight Schedule Designed for Convenience
The flight schedule has been carefully planned to cater to early morning travelers and business flyers. The daily flight from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is scheduled to depart at 5:05 a.m., reaching Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport in the morning. The return leg from Kathmandu will take off at 9:05 a.m., ensuring a comfortable and time-efficient travel experience for passengers flying both directions.
The early departure from Bengaluru is ideal for travelers looking to maximize their day in Nepal, whether for tourism, business, or connecting flights. The timing also makes it easier for inbound flyers arriving into Bengaluru late at night from other Indian cities or Gulf countries to connect seamlessly.
Strengthening Regional and International Connectivity
This new route significantly boosts the airline’s network by offering smooth one-stop connections to Kathmandu via Bengaluru from 20 Indian cities. These include major metro areas and tier-2 cities such as:
- North India: Amritsar, Delhi, Jammu, Jaipur, Gwalior, Hindon
- East and Central India: Bhubaneswar, Indore
- West India: Goa, Surat, Pune
- South India: Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Mangaluru
This one-stop connectivity empowers travelers from across India to access Nepal with ease, eliminating the need for multiple bookings or lengthy layovers. It also positions Bengaluru as a regional transit hub, especially for those flying to Nepal from non-metro Indian cities.
In addition to bolstering domestic connections, the airline is expanding its international reach. Passengers departing from Abu Dhabi and Dammam can also travel to Kathmandu with a single stop in Bengaluru. This is a significant step in enabling Gulf travelers, particularly members of the Nepali diaspora and business travelers, to reach Nepal conveniently without having to transit through more congested international hubs.
Bengaluru: A Rising Star in Air India Express’s Network
Bengaluru continues to play a pivotal role in Air India Express’s growth strategy. The airline currently operates over 450 weekly flights from Bengaluru, connecting directly to 31 destinations across India and abroad. With the addition of Kathmandu, the airline not only diversifies its network but also caters to the rising demand for regional tourism, VFR (visiting friends and relatives), and cross-border business travel.
The expansion comes as part of Air India Express’s larger post-merger transformation under the Tata Group umbrella. The airline has been investing in growing its short- and medium-haul international routes, integrating digital tools, and providing affordable, reliable service to price-conscious travelers.
Boost to Bilateral Tourism and Trade
Nepal is a popular travel destination for Indian tourists due to its natural beauty, religious landmarks, and proximity. Likewise, many Nepali citizens travel to India for education, healthcare, and employment. The new Bengaluru-Kathmandu route is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Moreover, the ease of access for travelers from South India to Nepal via this direct route could open up new opportunities for tour operators, cultural exchanges, and bilateral business initiatives.
Air India Express is launching a new daily non-stop flight from Bengaluru to Kathmandu starting June 1, expanding its international network. The new route enhances regional connectivity between India and Nepal while positioning Bengaluru as a key aviation hub in South Asia.
Conclusion
With this latest launch, Air India Express not only responds to growing travel demand between India and Nepal but also showcases its commitment to expanding affordable international travel options for Indian flyers. The introduction of the Bengaluru-Kathmandu service stands as a testimony to the airline’s evolving strategy to serve both domestic and international markets with efficiency, comfort, and value.
As the aviation sector in South Asia rebounds post-pandemic, such direct and accessible routes are vital to supporting regional integration, tourism development, and enhanced mobility for millions of travelers.
