Air India Express Expands Middle East Reach From Bengaluru

Air India Express has expanded its Middle East network with direct flights from Bengaluru, its largest base, to Jeddah, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Services to Jeddah will commence on October 26, 2025, with flights to Riyadh and Kuwait beginning on October 27, 2025, further strengthening links between South India and the Middle East.

The airline has introduced attractive inaugural fares, and bookings are open on the airline’s website, mobile app, and major booking channels.

The new routes are expected to benefit Indian expatriates, business travellers, families, and pilgrims, offering convenient access to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Direct flights to Jeddah will particularly meet demand for Umrah travel, while improved links to Riyadh and Kuwait will support VFR traffic and leisure travellers exploring Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism landscape.

Travellers from other South Indian centres, including Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tiruchirappalli, will also be able to connect to the three new destinations via Bengaluru.

This expansion follows Air India Express’s recent growth from Bengaluru, with flights to Kathmandu, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. The airline will also launch services to Bangkok from 18 October 2025, and to Jodhpur and Udaipur from 1 November 2025, further cementing Bengaluru as one of its fastest-growing hubs. Currently, Air India Express operates over 440 weekly flights from Bengaluru, linking 35 domestic destinations and seven international ones, including Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dammam, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kuwait, and Riyadh.