Travel between the UAE and India is becoming dramatically more affordable in 2026, thanks to a massive promotional fare sale launched by Air India Express, a Tata Group-owned low-cost carrier. The airline’s new “Xpress More Sale” has opened bookings this week with one-way base fares from as low as AED 320 (about Dh350) on UAE–India routes. The move is expected to benefit millions of commuters, expatriate families and budget travellers through nearly the entire year.
Air India Express sale details: How it works
Air India Express kicked off its Xpress More Sale on February 01, with discounted bookings available until February 05. Travel under these promotional fares is valid from February 11 through December 31, 2026, offering travellers a long booking window to plan trips home, for holidays, business or visits around festivals and school breaks.The sale covers both domestic and international routes, with over five million seats up for grabs across the airline’s network. Passengers who book through the airline’s website and mobile app also enjoy zero convenience fees and one free date change, providing extra flexibility for long-term itinerary adjustments.
Air India Express fares under Dh350: What you can expect
For travellers flying from the UAE, Air India Express has introduced competitively priced Lite fares, the most affordable ticket category that excludes checked baggage but can be upgraded later. Starting base prices include –
- UAE: From AED 320
- Oman: From OMR 23
- Bahrain: From BHD 46
- Qatar: From QAR 378
- Kuwait: From KWD 27
- Saudi Arabia: From SAR 286
These discounted fares present a big opportunity for budget-conscious expatriates, students and frequent flyers who make regular trips between the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent. The UAE–India travel corridor is one of the busiest in global aviation, driven by trade, tourism, family travel and the large Indian expatriate community based in the Gulf.Air India Express’ sale comes at a time when travellers are facing rising costs across hospitality and flights, making Dh350-level pricing a rare and attractive offer. Industry analysts say ultra-low fares like these not only boost travel demand but can also stimulate broader tourism, cultural exchange and economic linkages between the UAE and India, especially in shoulder and off-peak seasons. By offering lower entry prices, airlines can fill more seats and encourage travel that might otherwise be postponed.
Air India Express booking tips and travel strategies
Here are some practical tips for travellers looking to take advantage of the sale –
- Book early: The promotional period ends on February 5 and seat inventory is limited.
- Use the airline’s app or website: Booking directly through Air India Express often eliminates convenience fees and provides better access to perks.
- Consider flexibility: Lite fares do not include checked baggage but adding baggage later is possible at discounted rates so plan ahead if you are bringing luggage.
- Plan travel across 2026: Since travel validity stretches to December 31, 2026, you can schedule trips around major events, holidays and festive periods. For example, travellers planning school holiday visits, cultural festivals like Diwali or family reunions around Eid, can now lock in low-cost travel well in advance thanks to this extended travel window.
Air India Express operates more than 500 daily flights across a network that links India, the Gulf, South Asia and Southeast Asia. The airline’s pricing strategy reflects growing competition in the region’s aviation sector, where carriers are trying to balance affordable travel with profitability and network expansion.By launching large inventory promotions like the Xpress More Sale, especially with no convenience fees and date-change flexibility, the airline aims to appeal to frequent flyers, long-haul travellers and families who might previously have opted for premium carriers. With major events, economic recovery and increased global mobility expected in 2026, budget airfare promotions are likely to shape travel behaviour for millions. From visiting parents and students to exploring tourism opportunities within India and the Gulf, sales like these can make travel far more accessible. As airlines across the region continue to compete with aggressive pricing, travellers stand to benefit from increased options and lower cost barriers, a trend that industry watchers say may persist through the year.Air India Express’s Xpress More Sale, offering India–UAE fares from as low as Dh320 and travel validity through the end of 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about airline promotions for Gulf expats and travellers this year. With millions of discounted seats available and flexible booking perks, it offers a rare window to plan affordable travel for business, family and adventure. Go to Source
