Air India Express Launches Direct Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Flight

Air India Express (AIX) is planning to introduce a direct flight service connecting Mangaluru, a coastal city in Karnataka, with Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. This initiative aims to address a long-standing demand from passengers seeking more convenient travel options between the two cities.

Currently, there are no direct flight services available on this route. Travelers between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram typically rely on road or rail transport, which can take approximately 10 to 12 hours. Alternatively, they may opt for flights with layovers in cities such as Bengaluru or Chennai, extending total travel time to around 3 to 4 hours. The proposed direct flight is expected to significantly reduce this travel duration, enhancing connectivity for passengers.

An official from Air India Express confirmed that the proposal to introduce the direct flight is currently under review. The airline is actively evaluating various operational factors, including network requirements, aircraft and crew availability, slot availability at airports, and commercial viability, before making a final decision on its implementation.

Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has also confirmed receiving a request from Air India Express for flight slots for the proposed service. In response, MIA has asked AIX to provide more specific details, such as the flight type (non-stop or with a layover), the precise route, and the intended flight schedule.

Air India Express already operates a substantial network from Mangaluru, serving domestic destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Pune. Additionally, it offers international flights from Mangaluru to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and Bahrain, indicating its established presence and operational capabilities in the region.

Key Points:

* Current bus or train travel time between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram: 10-12 hours.
* Current flight travel time via other cities (e.g., Bengaluru/Chennai) including layover: 3-4 hours.

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