Technology · India Bureau
AI Express exits Madurai-Chennai route after nearly seven decades
Air India's budget carrier AI Express will cease operations on the Madurai-Chennai sector from October 25, ending a long-standing connection on the route. The development will leave IndiGo as the sole operator on the sector, which sees over five daily flights.
LSN India ·
AI Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, will discontinue its services on the Madurai-Chennai route effective October 25, marking the end of nearly seven decades of air connectivity between the two cities. The carrier has served the sector for an extended period, providing an alternative to passengers travelling between the Tamil Nadu cities.
The withdrawal comes as part of operational restructuring within the Air India group. Passengers currently booked on AI Express flights between Madurai and Chennai will need to make alternative travel arrangements or seek rebooking options through the airline.
Following the exit, IndiGo will emerge as the dominant carrier on the route, operating over five flights daily between the two cities. The monopoly status could potentially impact competition and pricing on what remains a key corridor connecting Madurai with the state capital.
The Madurai-Chennai sector has historically been an important air route in South India, linking the temple city with Tamil Nadu's commercial hub. Industry observers will be watching how the reduced competition affects service frequency and fares in the coming months.