Air India Express is a low-cost subsidiary of Air India, established to serve budget-conscious travelers on domestic and international short-to-medium haul routes. It operates primarily out of major Indian cities and focuses on connecting India with destinations across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf region. The airline was launched in 2005 to capitalize on the growing demand for affordable air travel, particularly among the Indian diaspora working in Gulf countries. It operates as a distinct brand under the Air India Group umbrella, offering no-frills services at competitive fares. In recent years, Air India Express underwent significant restructuring following the re-privatization of Air India by the Tata Group in 2022. The airline has been expanding its network and fleet as part of broader growth plans for the Air India Group.