About IX
Air India Express, operating under IATA code IX, is a low-cost carrier built specifically around India's massive demand for affordable short and medium-haul flying. It punches well above its weight with 428 non-stop routes spread across 61 airports, and its network tells you exactly who it's built for — price-sensitive travelers moving between Indian cities and Gulf destinations. BLR is the main hub with 46 routes, making Bengaluru the operational heart of the whole operation. There's no global alliance here, no business class dreams. This is a point-to-point budget carrier doing one thing well: connecting South Asia to the Middle East cheaply and frequently.
Why fly IX?
The honest reason to fly IX is the Gulf corridor. Nobody else gives you this many affordable options between India and the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. Those four countries alone account for 80 routes, and if you're flying the JED-BLR route — the longest in the network at 4,186 km — IX often undercuts full-service competition significantly. For travelers sending remittances home or visiting family across the Gulf, that price difference matters enormously. The Bengaluru hub also means South Indian travelers get direct access to international routes without backtracking through Delhi or Mumbai. It's not flashy, but it's genuinely useful routing that saves real money.
IX hub airports
- BLR Bengaluru — 46 IX routes from India
- DEL Delhi — 35 IX routes from India
- HYD Hyderabad — 18 IX routes from India
- BOM Mumbai — 15 IX routes from India
- CCJ Kozhikode — 15 IX routes from India
Top destination countries on IX
- India — 332 IX routes
- United Arab Emirates — 47 IX routes
- Saudi Arabia — 17 IX routes
- Oman — 10 IX routes
- Qatar — 6 IX routes
- Thailand — 5 IX routes
- Kuwait — 5 IX routes
- Bahrain — 4 IX routes
Tips for booking IX
Book directly through the IX website when you can — third-party platforms sometimes miss promotional fares on busy Gulf routes out of BLR and HYD. Check baggage allowances carefully before you fly, since low-cost carriers in this region vary wildly by fare type and adding bags at the airport costs significantly more than pre-purchasing. DEL has 35 routes if BLR doesn't serve your destination directly, so always check both hubs when searching. IX isn't in a global alliance, so don't count on earning frequent flyer miles with partner programs. First-time flyers should arrive early at BLR — it's a busy hub and security queues move slowly during peak Gulf departure windows.
Frequently asked questions about IX
Where does IX airline fly?
IX operates 428 routes primarily across India, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, serving major cities and regional destinations throughout these regions.
What is IX's main hub airport?
Bengaluru (BLR) serves as IX's main hub, making it a key connection point for flights across the airline's network.
Is IX a low-cost carrier?
Based on its extensive network of 428 routes spanning India and the Middle East, IX operates as a regional carrier with a focus on connecting major hubs and secondary cities across South Asia and the Gulf region.
When should I book flights with IX?
For the best fares, book 4-6 weeks in advance, and consider flying on weekdays rather than weekends; IX typically offers multiple fare classes to suit different travel needs and budgets.
What are IX's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances and check-in procedures vary by fare class and route; it's recommended to check IX's official website or contact customer service for specific details about your booking before traveling.