The upcoming Air India Express (AIX) Delhi-Amritsar route, set to launch on March 30, 2025, is raising concerns about internal competition within the Air India Group. With nearly identical scheduling to parent company Air India (AI), the decision contradicts effective airline network planning strategies, potentially reducing revenue efficiency and weakening market positioning.Overlapping Schedules Impact Network StrategyThe new AIX service mirrors Air India’s existing flights on the Delhi-Amritsar route, creating direct competition between two carriers under the same corporate umbrella.
Planned Flight Schedules:Air India Express (AIX)Delhi to Amritsar: IX1998 | Departs 11:10 | Arrives 12:30Amritsar to Delhi: IX1999 | Departs 13:00 | Arrives 14:00Air India (AI)Delhi to Amritsar: AI491 | Departs 11:00 | Arrives 12:20Amritsar to Delhi: AI492 | Departs 13:00 | Arrives 14:20The 10-minute difference in Delhi departure times and identical return schedules eliminate frequency diversity, resulting in self-cannibalization rather than network optimization.Risks of Internal CompetitionThe overlapping schedules could lead to several negative consequences for both airlines:Yield Dilution: Both airlines will compete for the same passengers, potentially driving down fares and reducing overall revenue per available seat.Limited Network Synergy: While Air India connects passengers through its extensive domestic and international hub at Delhi, AIX primarily serves point-to-point routes, restri.
