Find and Book Cheap Air Asia India (I5) Flight Tickets

About AirAsia India

AirAsia India, operating under IATA code I5 and ICAO code IAD with the callsign Red Knight, was an Indian low-cost carrier headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Established on 28 March 2013 as a joint venture between AirAsia Berhad of Malaysia, Tata Sons, and Telestra Tradeplace, the airline commenced commercial operations on 12 June 2014 with its inaugural flight from Bengaluru to Goa. The carrier's primary hub was Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru, with secondary bases in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

In December 2022, Tata Sons acquired the remaining shares held by AirAsia Berhad, taking full ownership of the airline. Following this acquisition, the carrier was rebranded as AIX Connect in preparation for its integration with Air India Express. The AirAsia India brand was officially retired on 31 October 2023, and all operations were merged into Air India Express on 1 October 2024. Today, flights previously operated under the I5 code are part of the Air India Express network under the IX code.

Airline Overview and History

AirAsia India's journey spanned just over a decade, from its founding to its eventual merger into one of India's largest low-cost carriers. Below are the key milestones in the airline's history:

• 28 March 2013 — AirAsia India incorporated as a joint venture between AirAsia Berhad (49%), Tata Sons (41%), and Telestra Tradeplace (10%)
• 15 May 2013 — Mittu Chandilya appointed as the airline's first Chief Executive Officer
• 7 May 2014 — Air Operator Permit granted by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
• 12 June 2014 — Maiden commercial flight from Bengaluru to Goa using an Airbus A320
• August 2015 — Tata Sons increased its stake to 40.06% through a fresh equity injection
• 2016–2019 — Expanded to over 20 domestic routes connecting major Indian cities
• 2020–2021 — Operations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; fleet and routes temporarily reduced
• December 2022 — Tata Sons acquired 100% ownership; airline rebranded as AIX Connect
• 31 October 2023 — AirAsia India brand officially retired; flights began operating for Air India Express
• 1 October 2024 — Full legal merger with Air India Express completed; I5 code ceased operations

The airline's primary hub at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru served as its operational centre, complemented by bases in Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. AirAsia India's mission was to make air travel accessible and affordable for all Indians, embodying the Now Everyone Can Fly philosophy established by the AirAsia Group.

Fleet and Aircraft

AirAsia India operated an all-Airbus narrow-body fleet throughout its history, maintaining two aircraft variants optimised for India's domestic market:

• Airbus A320-200 — The backbone of the fleet, configured with 180 seats in a single-class economy layout. This reliable workhorse served the airline from its inaugural flight in 2014
• Airbus A320neo — The newer, more fuel-efficient variant with 186 seats, offering reduced operating costs and lower carbon emissions per passenger

At its peak, the airline operated a fleet of approximately 33 aircraft. By the time of the merger with Air India Express in October 2024, the fleet had been streamlined to around 24 aircraft, comprising 23 Airbus A320-200s and one Airbus A320neo. All aircraft were maintained in accordance with DGCA safety standards and international aviation regulations, ensuring safe and reliable operations across the domestic network.

Following the merger, these aircraft were absorbed into the Air India Express fleet, which has since grown to over 88 aircraft with plans to surpass 100 units, combining Boeing 737s from Air India Express with the Airbus A320 family from the former AirAsia India operations.

Top Flight Routes

AirAsia India operated exclusively within India's domestic market, connecting major cities and popular destinations across the country. The airline's most frequently served routes included:

• Bengaluru to Kolkata — The airline's busiest route, with multiple daily frequencies connecting South and East India
• Delhi to Bengaluru — A high-demand metro route linking India's capital with the technology hub of the south
• Delhi to Goa — A perennial leisure favourite, especially popular during the winter holiday season
• Bengaluru to Hyderabad — Connecting two of India's largest technology and business centres
• Kolkata to Bengaluru — Serving strong demand for business and family travel between East and South India
• Delhi to Ranchi — Providing vital connectivity to the capital of Jharkhand
• Bengaluru to Chennai — A short-haul shuttle between neighbouring southern metros
• Delhi to Srinagar — Connecting travellers to the scenic Kashmir Valley

For Malaysian travellers looking to explore India, Traveloka offers flights to key Indian destinations with convenient connections through Kuala Lumpur. Popular routes from Malaysia to India include:

• Kuala Lumpur to Bengaluru — Direct flights to AirAsia India's former hub city and India's tech capital
• Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi — Connecting Malaysia to India's vibrant capital city
• Kuala Lumpur to Chennai — A popular route with strong cultural ties between Malaysia and Tamil Nadu
• Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata — Gateway to East India and the cultural heart of Bengal
• Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai — India's financial capital and Bollywood headquarters
• Kuala Lumpur to Hyderabad — Technology city with growing travel demand from Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur to Kochi — Gateway to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala

While AirAsia India itself operated only domestic Indian routes, Malaysian travellers can reach these Indian cities via connecting flights on partner airlines or through the Air India Express network, which now serves both domestic and international routes including destinations across Southeast Asia, the Gulf, and beyond.

Baggage Allowance and Policies

AirAsia India followed the AirAsia Group's low-cost model where checked baggage was not included in the base fare but could be pre-purchased at discounted rates. Below is a summary of the baggage policies that applied during the airline's operations:

Cabin Baggage

• Weight limit: 7 kg total for two pieces combined
• Main cabin bag dimensions: 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm
• Personal item dimensions: 40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm (laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack)
• Items allowed: One main cabin bag plus one smaller personal item per passenger

Checked Baggage

• Free allowance: Not included in the base fare; must be pre-purchased
• Pre-purchase options: 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, 30 kg, or 40 kg
• Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg — items exceeding this limit must be split into separate pieces
• Excess baggage at counter: Approximately INR 500 per kg for domestic routes

Pre-booking baggage through Traveloka or the airline's website was significantly cheaper than purchasing excess baggage at the airport counter. Travellers were always encouraged to add their checked baggage at the time of booking to save on costs and avoid surprises at the airport.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

• Flammable materials, explosives, and corrosive substances are strictly prohibited in all baggage
• Sharp objects such as knives and scissors must be placed in checked baggage only
• Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only
• Liquids in cabin baggage must comply with the 100 ml per container rule, placed in a single clear resealable bag not exceeding one litre

Check-in Guide

Airport Counter Check-in

AirAsia India's airport check-in counters operated with the following timings for domestic flights:

• Counter opening: 2 hours before scheduled departure
• Counter closing: 45 minutes before scheduled departure
• Recommended arrival: At least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights

Passengers arriving after the counter closing time risked being denied boarding. During peak travel periods such as Diwali, Holi, Christmas, and school holidays, arriving earlier was strongly recommended due to longer queues at security screening and check-in counters.

Online Check-in

• Opens: 14 days before scheduled departure
• Closes: 1 hour (60 minutes) before scheduled departure
• Available via: AirAsia website and AirAsia mobile app

After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage could proceed to the dedicated baggage drop counter at the airport, while those travelling with only cabin baggage could head directly to the security screening area and their departure gate. Online check-in allowed passengers to select their preferred seats and download a mobile boarding pass, streamlining the entire airport experience and saving valuable time.

Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience

Economy Class

AirAsia India operated a single economy class cabin across its entire fleet. The Airbus A320-200 was configured with 180 seats in a 3-3 layout, while the A320neo featured 186 seats in the same arrangement. Despite being a low-cost carrier, the airline offered comfortable seating suitable for India's domestic flights, which typically ranged from 1 to 3.5 hours in duration depending on the route.

Hot Seats

Passengers seeking additional comfort could upgrade to Hot Seats, which were premium seats located in the front rows or emergency exit rows of the aircraft. Hot Seats provided extra legroom and came with priority boarding privileges. These seats were available for an additional fee during the booking process or at online check-in, subject to availability. Hot Seats were particularly popular among business travellers and taller passengers who valued the additional space.

In-Flight Meals

As a low-cost carrier, meals were not included in the base fare on AirAsia India. However, the airline offered its Santan in-flight menu featuring a curated selection of Asian-inspired dishes and international favourites. Meals could be pre-booked online at a discount of up to 20 percent compared to on-board prices, and each pre-booked meal came with a complimentary drink. Popular menu items included Nasi Lemak, chicken rice with various sauces, pasta dishes, and a range of vegetarian options. All meals served on AirAsia India flights were halal-certified, ensuring they met dietary requirements for Muslim travellers.

In-Flight Entertainment

AirAsia India did not offer built-in seatback entertainment screens on its aircraft. Passengers were encouraged to bring their own personal devices with pre-downloaded content such as movies, music, podcasts, and reading material for entertainment during the flight. The airline's cabin crew were trained to provide attentive, professional, and friendly service throughout the flight, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of route length or travel purpose.

Passenger Policies and Special Services

Travelling with Children and Infants

• Children (2 to 11 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult aged 18 or above; require their own seat and a separate ticket at the child fare rate
• Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare; limited to one infant per adult passenger
• Required documents: Valid birth certificate or passport for all child and infant passengers
• Infant amenities: Strollers, pushchairs, and car seats can generally be checked at the boarding gate free of charge

Pregnant Passengers

• Up to 27 weeks: Permitted to fly without a medical certificate; must sign a Limited Liability Statement at check-in
• 28 to 34 weeks: Must present a medical certificate from an approved doctor confirming fitness to fly
• 35 weeks and above: Generally not accepted for travel due to the increased risk of in-flight complications

Pregnant passengers are strongly advised to consult their healthcare provider before booking and to carry all relevant medical documentation when travelling. Priority boarding was available upon request to help pregnant travellers settle in comfortably before other passengers boarded the aircraft.

Passengers Requiring Special Assistance

AirAsia India provided dedicated services for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, and other special needs. Available assistance included:

• Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding and disembarkation at the destination
• Priority boarding and preferred seating arrangements near the front of the cabin
• Cabin crew trained to assist passengers with special requirements during the entire duration of the flight
• Assistance with portable medical equipment such as portable oxygen concentrators and mobility aids

Passengers requiring special assistance or those travelling with medical equipment were advised to contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure to make the necessary arrangements and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Unaccompanied Minors

• Children below 12 years: Not accepted for travel unless accompanied by a passenger aged 18 or above
• Children aged 12 to 16 years: Accepted for travel only if a parent or guardian signs a Limited Liability Statement at check-in acknowledging the airline's limited responsibility

AirAsia India did not operate a formal unaccompanied minor service with staff supervision. Children travelling without an adult companion were required to meet the age requirements listed above, and parents or guardians had to ensure that a responsible adult was available at the destination airport to receive the child upon arrival.

Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Rescheduling Flights

To reschedule an AirAsia India flight booked through Traveloka, passengers could follow these steps:

• Open the Traveloka app or visit the Traveloka website and navigate to My Booking
• Select the specific booking you wish to modify from your booking history
• Choose the reschedule option and browse available alternative flights
• Select your new preferred flight and pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences

Rescheduling fees varied by fare type. Premium Flex and Value Pack fares offered reduced or completely waived rescheduling fees, while standard and promotional fares typically carried higher change fees. It was always more cost-effective to reschedule through Traveloka rather than contacting the airline directly.

Cancellations and Refunds

AirAsia India's cancellation policy operated on a tiered fee structure based on the timing of the cancellation:

• Within 24 hours of booking: Eligible for a full refund provided the flight departed at least 7 days later
• More than 96 hours before departure: Cancellation fee of approximately INR 3,500 for Economy fares
• Within 96 hours of departure: Cancellation fee of approximately INR 3,000 for Economy fares and INR 1,500 for Premium Flex fares
• Airline-initiated cancellation: Full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost to the passenger

Non-refundable promotional fares could sometimes be converted into travel credit for use on future bookings. Refund processing typically took between 7 and 30 business days depending on the original payment method used at the time of booking. Passengers could track their refund status through the Traveloka app or website.

Why Book AirAsia India Flights on Traveloka

Booking AirAsia India flights through Traveloka provides Malaysian travellers with a seamless experience and multiple advantages for their journey to India:

• Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares not always available on the airline's own platform or other booking sites
• Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops to find the best option for your schedule and budget
• Flexible payment — Pay conveniently with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or interest-free instalment plans in RM
• Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app with no waiting required
• 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available around the clock for booking queries, changes, and travel assistance
• Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka Points, enjoy cashback offers, and access member-exclusive deals with every flight booking
• Bundled savings — Combine flights with hotel accommodation or activities for greater overall value on your India trip

Now that AirAsia India has completed its merger into Air India Express, Traveloka continues to offer flights on the Air India Express network, ensuring you can still reach all the destinations formerly served by AirAsia India with the same booking convenience, competitive pricing, and trusted customer support.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka

Whether you are flying to India for business meetings, a leisure holiday, or visiting family and friends, these practical tips will help you secure the best fares on Traveloka and save more on your travels:

• Book early — Flight prices typically increase as the departure date approaches; booking 4 to 8 weeks in advance often yields the lowest available rates
• Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar feature to compare prices across different travel dates and discover the cheapest day to fly
• Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally offer noticeably lower fares compared to weekends and Monday mornings
• Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred route to India
• Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promotions page frequently for flash sales, seasonal discounts, and exclusive promo codes that can reduce your fare significantly
• Travel during off-peak seasons — Avoid Indian school holidays, Diwali season in October and November, and other major festivals when demand and fares tend to surge
• Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional package discounts that can save you even more
• Choose light fares — If you are travelling with minimal luggage, select a base fare without checked baggage or meal add-ons to keep your total cost down

How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka

Follow these simple steps to book your flight to India on Traveloka and enjoy a hassle-free booking experience from start to finish:

1. Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app on your smartphone and navigate to the Flights section
2. Enter your departure city, such as Kuala Lumpur, and your destination city in India
3. Select your preferred travel dates and specify the number of passengers including adults, children, and infants
4. Tap the search button to view all available flights, including options from Air India Express, IndiGo, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and other carriers
5. Sort results by price, departure time, or total duration and select your preferred flight from the list
6. Enter passenger details for each traveller, including full name as shown on passport, date of birth, nationality, and contact information
7. Add any optional extras you need, such as additional checked baggage, preferred seat selection, or comprehensive travel insurance
8. Review your complete booking summary including the total fare, applicable taxes, and any selected add-ons
9. Choose your preferred payment method from the available options, including credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay
10. Complete the payment and receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app, ready for your trip to India

Save or take a screenshot of your e-ticket for easy reference at the airport. For any booking changes, cancellations, or travel queries, Traveloka's dedicated customer support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you.