In preparation for the Diwali and Chhath Puja travel rush, Air India (AI) and Air India Express have announced a major expansion plan, adding 166 additional weekly flights to and from Patna. The move is aimed at enhancing connectivity and managing passenger demand during one of India’s busiest travel periods.
The expansion will be carried out in two phases — with Air India operating 114 additional flights between October 15 and November 2, 2025, followed by Air India Express running 52 extra flights between October 22 and November 3, 2025.
Flight Expansion Details: Major Boost to Bihar Connectivity
Under this festive expansion, Air India will operate additional flights on three major domestic routes:
- 38 extra flights each on Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Patna, and Bengaluru–Patna routes.
Meanwhile, Air India Express will strengthen its network with 26 additional flights each on Delhi–Patna and Bengaluru–Patna routes.
These special festive services are designed to supplement existing flights rather than replace them. Currently, Air India operates 42 weekly flights between Delhi, Mumbai, and Patna, while Air India Express runs 14 weekly flights connecting Delhi and Bengaluru with Patna.
This move marks one of the largest single-state seasonal capacity boosts by any airline group in recent years, according to travel industry experts.
Purpose: Meeting the Festive Rush and Election Travel Demand
The primary goal of the expanded flight schedule is to meet the surge in festive travel demand, enabling smoother homeward journeys for thousands of passengers heading to Bihar for Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Additionally, the increased connectivity aligns with the upcoming Bihar state assembly elections, which are expected to further intensify travel activity in the region.
By expanding its flight capacity during this high-demand season, Air India and Air India Express are positioning Patna as a key domestic aviation hub, facilitating better onward connections to major Indian cities and international destinations through Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
How to Book the Extra Flights
Passengers planning to travel during the Diwali–Chhath window can book tickets for the additional flights through:
- The official websites of Air India and Air India Express
- Mobile apps of both airlines
- Authorized travel agencies and customer service centers
Given the surge in bookings during the festive period, travelers are advised to reserve seats early and arrive at airports well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
Industry Response and Broader Festive Trends
The festive travel season in India traditionally sees a sharp spike in passenger traffic, and airlines across the country are responding with capacity expansions. Along with Air India and Air India Express, other carriers have also announced special flights to Patna from cities such as Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, underscoring the growing demand for domestic air travel during festivals.
The addition of 166 extra flights to Patna reflects Air India’s commitment to serving passengers during India’s most celebrated travel season. As millions of people journey home for Diwali and Chhath, the enhanced connectivity ensures that travelers can enjoy greater flexibility, convenience, and smoother travel experiences.
With this major festive capacity expansion, Air India and Air India Express reaffirm their leadership in India’s aviation sector, responding proactively to passenger needs and strengthening regional connectivity during a peak travel period.
