Beginning on February 15, 2025, Air India Express (IX) will provide daily flights from Mumbai (BOM), India’s financial center, to Varanasi (VNS), the country’s spiritual capital.
MUMBAI- Air India Express (IX), owned by Tata, will now offer non-stop flights from Mumbai to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, north India. This new route will improve connection and meet the increasing demand for travel between the two major cities.
Air India Express will make its first flight to Varanasi (VNS) from Mumbai (BOM). This is a substantial increase to the airline’s network, as it already serves Varanasi and three other locations.
Air India Express Mumbai to Varanasi flight
Beginning February 15, 2025, Air India Express (IX) will fly daily to India’s spiritual capital Varanasi (VNS) from Mumbai (BOM).
Flight IX 2546 is scheduled to depart Mumbai at 13:20 pm IST. The flight is scheduled to arrive in Varanasi (VNS) around 15:40 IST. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 (737-8) will take 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the flight.
The return aircraft, IX 2547, will depart Varanasi (VNS) at 16:15 pm IST. The flight is scheduled to return to Mumbai (BOM) around 18:30 pm IST. The flight will take 2 hours and 15 minutes aboard the B737 Max-8.
Air India Express flies two versions of the Boeing 737 Max-8 aircraft. These aircraft have a seating capacity of 176 to 178 passengers, depending on arrangement.
Competition On the BOM-VNS Route
Air India Express (IX) may encounter severe competition in the Mumbai (BOM) – Varanasi (VNS) route. As of January 8, 2025, the sector already has six flights every day. Four airlines already offer flights in this sector.
Akasa Air (QP) and IndiGo (6E) each operate two daily flights in this sector, indicating that Air India Express (IX) faces stiff market competition. SpiceJet (SG) also serves this sector with a single daily flight.
Apart from these airlines, Air India (AI), Air India Express’ sister business, conducts daily flights on this route.
Air India Express would become the fifth airline in the sector. With these new flights, the Mumbai (BOM)-Varanasi (VNS) sector will have up to seven daily flights beginning February 15, 2025.
Airline’s Varanasi Network
Varanasi (VNS) is not a new destination for Air India Express (IX). Air India Express already operates flights from Varanasi to three destinations. Two of these are domestic, while one is an overseas destination.
Air India Express (IX) operates flights from Varanasi (VNS) to Hyderabad (HYD) and Bengaluru (BLR). The airline offers one daily flight from Hyderabad (HYD) and three daily flights from Bengaluru (BLR). Air India Express (IX) took up services to Varanasi from defunct AirAsia India (I5). The flights resumed in October 2024, when AirAsia India (I5) amalgamated with Air India Express (IX).
Air India Express (IX) also serves an international destination in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There is a nonstop flight from Varanasi (VNS) to Sharjah (SHJ), the UAE’s third most populous city. The airline operates daily flights between Varanasi (VNS) and Sharjah (SHJ).
Mumbai (BOM) is Air India Express’s fourth destination after Varanasi (VNS).
Why has Air India Express added new Mumbai-Varanasi flights?
Air India Express has added new flights between Mumbai and Varanasi to cater to the increased demand during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a significant religious gathering in India.
When will the new Mumbai-Varanasi flights start operating?
The new Mumbai-Varanasi flights by Air India Express are scheduled to begin operations in early 2025, ahead of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
How often will Air India Express operate the Mumbai-Varanasi flights?
Air India Express plans to operate these flights multiple times a week to accommodate the large number of pilgrims and travelers attending the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Can passengers book tickets for these new flights now?
Yes, passengers can book tickets for the new Mumbai-Varanasi flights through Air India Express’s website and authorized travel agents.
What is the significance of the Maha Kumbh Mela?
The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees and tourists. It is held every 12 years at different locations in India.
Will Air India Express offer additional services for Maha Kumbh Mela passengers?
Air India Express is expected to offer special assistance for pilgrims, including baggage allowances and in-flight services tailored for the Maha Kumbh Mela travelers.
