Mangaluru
The Mangaluru-Bengaluru air route, renowned as one of the busiest domestic corridors, is set to experience a decrease in flight frequency starting from June 1 to 15. Presently, a total of seven daily flights, collectively operated by Air India Express (AIE) and IndiGo, cater to this route. However, during the specified period, the number of flights will be trimmed to five per day.
Previously, AIE operated two flights while IndiGo managed five daily flights on this route. However, AIE has withdrawn one of its flights temporarily. Starting from June 1, IndiGo will reduce its daily flights from five to four. It’s noteworthy that AIE, after a temporary halt in operations, plans to resume flights from June 16.
In parallel developments, AIE, which commenced direct flights between Mangaluru and Jeddah in April, has suspended these operations temporarily from this week. As per flight schedules, operations are expected to resume from June 12. Presently, two flights are operated by AIE, while the remaining five are serviced by IndiGo. The decision to suspend AIE’s services is attributed to the ongoing crisis, causing adjustments in flight operations.
Additionally, the MIA-Jeddah flight, operated by AIE, has also temporarily ceased operations, with potential diversion to serve Haj pilgrims, according to insider sources. IndiGo is anticipated to resume operations with a reduced number of flights to Bengaluru from August 1.
Responding to inquiries, a senior executive from IndiGo stated that the airline lacks official information regarding the withdrawal of one of its Bengaluru-bound flights starting from June. However, it’s speculated that the reduction in flights during the June-July period is due to lower passenger demand, traditionally considered a lean period. Notably, the aircraft utilized on these routes will continue to be Airbus A320 and A321 for IndiGo, while AIE operates Boeing 737 Max, averting any shift to ATR flights, as confirmed by a source from MIA.
