At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Air India Express | SpiceJet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Low-cost | Low-cost | Same category, a direct comparison |
| Primary hub | COK (+ BLR, HYD, MAA) | DEL (+ BOM, CCU, HYD) | Different hubs: pick the one that suits your route |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 90+ aircraft | 55+ aircraft | Similar scale |
| Global alliance | None (independent) | None (independent) | Neither is in a global alliance |
| Founded | 2005 | 2005 | SpiceJet has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | B737 MAX 8, B737-800 | B737-800, B737 MAX 8, Q400 | |
| Domestic checked baggage (economy entry) | 15 kg | 15 kg | Same allowance |
| Cabin baggage | 7 kg | 7 kg | |
| In-flight meals | Buy-on-board only | Buy-on-board only | Same meal policy |
| India customer care number | 0124-264 1407 | 0124-404 8000 |
Fares on routes both airlines fly (HappyFares data)
Typical fare is the median of the fares HappyFares recorded for each airline's non-stop flights on the route, from fare searches between 4 Oct 2026 and 9 Nov 2026. Figures computed 9 Nov 2026. Flights is the number of distinct flight and date combinations behind each figure; routes with fewer than 5 for either airline are left out. Fares are one-way economy and change daily.
| Route | Air India Express typical fare | SpiceJet typical fare | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai to Delhi | ₹7,803 59 flights Air India Express fares |
₹12,805 101 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India Express ₹5,002 lower |
| Bangalore to Delhi | ₹11,193 46 flights Air India Express fares |
₹15,803 90 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India Express ₹4,610 lower |
| Delhi to Srinagar | ₹8,821 40 flights Air India Express fares |
₹12,904 72 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India Express ₹4,083 lower |
| Mumbai to Bangalore | ₹7,999 40 flights Air India Express fares |
₹10,861 74 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India Express ₹2,862 lower |
| Navi Mumbai to Delhi | ₹7,750 58 flights Air India Express fares |
₹6,458 39 flights SpiceJet fares |
SpiceJet ₹1,292 lower |
| Delhi to Kolkata | ₹10,412 34 flights Air India Express fares |
₹13,564 108 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India Express ₹3,152 lower |
| Delhi to Bagdogra | ₹9,499 31 flights Air India Express fares |
₹12,982 96 flights SpiceJet fares |
Air India Express ₹3,483 lower |
| Navi Mumbai to Bangalore | ₹6,175 41 flights Air India Express fares |
₹5,672 30 flights SpiceJet fares |
SpiceJet ₹503 lower |
About Air India Express
Air India Express is the low-cost arm of the Air India group, focused on short-haul international routes (especially Gulf and Southeast Asia) alongside domestic operations. Following the merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), it operates an expanded Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
Fare structure: Economy 4 tiers, Xpress Lite (7 kg cabin only, no checked baggage included, taxes-refundable-only cancellation, date change ₹3,000 within 2 hrs) → Xpress Value (7 kg cabin + 15 kg checked, cancellation ₹4,300, date change ₹3,000) → Xpress Classic (7 kg cabin + 15 kg checked + complimentary standard seat + Lite Bite meal, cancellation ₹2,000 for >3 days, date change ₹300 for >3 days) → Xpress Flexo (7 kg cabin + 20 kg checked + complimentary Prime/Standard seats + Lite Bite + ZERO convenience fee with promo code HFNCF, cancellation ₹1,500, date change FREE for >3 days). Business class: 7 kg cabin + 25 kg checked + hot meals or Lite Bite + Business Class seat (cancellation ₹4,300, date change ₹3,000).
About SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a budget airline serving India's domestic network and select international Gulf/Southeast Asia routes. The airline operates a mix of Boeing 737s for jet routes and Q400 turboprops for regional UDAN connectivity.
Fare structure: SpiceSaver (lowest, cabin + checked baggage, standard change/cancel fees) → SpiceFlex (more flexibility, lower change/cancel fees) → SpiceMax (premium tier, complimentary seat + meal, lowest change/cancel fees). SpiceClub loyalty points earned on every fare.