Will Air India Express Restore Reduced Kerala Flights?
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Synopsis
Air India Express has assured Kerala's Chief Minister Vijayan about the restoration of curtailed flights from the state, emphasizing that the reductions are temporary. This comes as the Chief Minister raises concerns over significant flight cuts impacting many families reliant on air travel.
Key Takeaways
- Air India Express plans to restore curtailed flights from Kerala.
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan raised concerns about flight reductions.
- Kannur lost 42 weekly flights, affecting air connectivity.
- New routes to major international destinations are planned.
- Consultation with the state government is proposed for better collaboration.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 6 (NationPress) Officials from Air India Express assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday that the airline intends to reinstate flight services from the state that have been reduced in the current winter schedule, emphasizing that these reductions are merely temporary.
During a high-level meeting convened in the Chief Minister's chamber at the Kerala Assembly, senior airline officials informed the Chief Minister that many of the curtailed services would soon be restored.
This assurance comes in the wake of the state government’s strong disapproval of the significant flight reductions from Kerala airports scheduled between October 2025 and March 2026.
Vijayan highlighted the issue, stating that Kannur International Airport alone has lost 42 weekly flights, along with further reductions from Kozhikode and Kochi.
He argued that rerouting flights to other privately-owned airports constitutes discrimination against Kerala's public infrastructure.
"The decision to cut services during the peak travel season is indefensible. Kerala, home to over 2.5 million expatriates in the Gulf, relies heavily on air connectivity. Any reduction has a direct impact on thousands of families," the Chief Minister stated.
He insisted on the immediate restoration of the cancelled flights from Kannur, Kozhikode, and Kochi, and urged Air India Express, as a national carrier with deep-rooted ties to the state, to ensure that Kerala does not get overlooked.
Vijayan also suggested that the airline establish a consultation framework with the state government to prevent unilateral decisions affecting a vast number of passengers.
In response to these concerns, Air India Express officials explained that the schedule changes were due to increased winter demand in northern states and stressed that these adjustments are only temporary.
They announced plans to increase the number of international flights from Kerala to 231 and domestic flights to 245 by 2026, compensating for the current shortfall.
The airline also intends to introduce new routes to Fujairah, Medina, Male, Singapore, London, and Bangkok, while also exploring potential services to Australia and Japan via Bengaluru or Singapore.
Additional Gulf services are planned for the Onam, Christmas, and New Year seasons, with a business-class flight between Thiruvananthapuram and Delhi under consideration.
Attending the meeting were Air India Express Chairman Nipun Aggarwal, Managing Director Aloke Singh, Vice-President Abhishek Garg, Associate Vice-President P.G. Prageesh, and Additional Chief Secretary K.R. Jyothilal.
Point of View
The commitment by Air India Express to restore flight services from Kerala reflects a broader understanding of the state's unique challenges, especially with its significant expatriate population. The assurance helps maintain trust in national carriers and highlights the importance of collaboration between state authorities and airlines for effective travel solutions.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were flights from Kerala reduced?
The reduction in flights was attributed to higher winter demand in northern states, but airline officials have clarified that these changes are temporary.
How many flights were curtailed from Kannur International Airport?
Kannur International Airport alone lost 42 weekly flights due to the recent schedule adjustments.
What is the future of international flights from Kerala?
By 2026, Air India Express plans to increase international flights from Kerala to 231, along with 245 domestic flights.
What new routes are being introduced?
New routes will include destinations like Fujairah, Medina, Male, Singapore, London, and Bangkok, with further exploration for services to Australia and Japan.
What seasonal services can passengers expect?
Additional Gulf services will be launched during Onam, Christmas, and New Year, enhancing travel options for passengers.
