The Air India Group, comprising full-service carrier Air India and low-cost airline Air India Express, is set to announce new virtual interline partnerships today at the opening of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The move aims to strengthen Air India Express’s global connectivity through its ‘AIX Connect’ platform, allowing travelers to book self-connected itineraries across a network of foreign low-cost carriers. The group already maintains six such partnerships and plans to expand further as part of its broader growth strategy.
In a statement, the Air India Group said, “Our presence at ATM 2025 underscores our commitment to blending tradition with innovation.” Officials noted that the partnerships would make travel more seamless for passengers by enabling greater access to international destinations through efficient, technology-driven solutions.
Air India Express currently operates more than 240 weekly flights between the UAE and India, serving 38 domestic and 17 international destinations. The airline has set an ambitious target of carrying 30 million passengers by the 2025-26 financial year, up from 20 million this year. Meanwhile, Air India itself connects to 45 domestic and 43 international destinations across its network.
Owned by the Tata Group, Air India Group employs over 30,000 people and operates a fleet of more than 300 aircraft. Under its five-year Vihaan.AI transformation plan, the airline has ordered 570 new aircraft, merged AirAsia India and Vistara into Air India Express and Air India respectively, and inaugurated South Asia’s largest aviation training academy in 2024.
“ATM 2025 is a platform to showcase our evolving brand and strengthen our global presence,” the group said, emphasizing its focus on seamless connectivity, expanded reach, and enhanced passenger experiences.
The announcements in Dubai highlight Air India’s broader ambition to redefine regional and international travel. By leveraging new technologies and strategic partnerships, the group seeks to meet rising global travel demand while maintaining the legacy of Indian aviation.
Visitors to the Air India pavilion at ATM can expect an immersive experience that reflects the airline’s evolving vision — one that combines heritage with innovation to shape the future of travel.
