In a groundbreaking move for budget-conscious travelers, Air India Express has unveiled an unprecedented excess baggage promotion for passengers traveling between the United Arab Emirates and India. The low-cost carrier is offering additional checked baggage at a remarkably reduced rate of just Dh2 for both 5kg and 10kg increments during a limited promotional period.
The special offer, part of the airline’s New Year campaign, remains available for bookings made through January 31, 2026, with travel validity extending from January 16 to March 10, 2026. This discounted rate applies across all fare categories—Xpress Value, Xpress Lite, Xpress Flex, and Xpress Biz—representing substantial savings compared to standard excess baggage fees that typically range between Rs700 (Dh28.54) and Rs3,600 for international flights.
The strategic pricing initiative comes during the traditional lean travel season when airlines typically introduce competitive fares and baggage allowances to boost seat occupancy on key routes. The UAE-GCC-India corridor ranks among the world’s busiest air travel routes, serving over nine million Indian nationals residing across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including approximately four million in the UAE alone.
Air India Express has extended similar discounted baggage rates across other GCC nations, with passengers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia able to purchase additional baggage for the equivalent of Dh2 in local currencies. The airline operates direct flights between major Indian cities and UAE destinations, catering to the substantial diaspora population that frequently travels between the regions with family members.
This pricing strategy demonstrates how budget carriers are increasingly using ancillary service discounts to attract price-sensitive travelers while maintaining competitive advantage against full-service airlines that typically charge higher rates for excess baggage.