Air India Express Launches Daily Direct Flight Service Between Mangaluru and Delhi
Air India Express has strengthened connectivity between Karnataka and Delhi with the launch of a daily direct flight service between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Delhi International Airport. The new route, inaugurated on February 1, 2025, is expected to provide greater convenience and flexibility for travellers, enhancing air travel options between these two major cities.
The inaugural flights marked a significant milestone in regional air travel, as the new service aims to cater to both business and leisure travellers. Flight IX 1552 departed Mangaluru at 6.40 am and arrived in Delhi at 9.35 am, while IX 2768 flew from Delhi to Mangaluru, also departing at 6.40 am and landing at 9.35 am. The launch was celebrated with a water cannon salute at Mangaluru International Airport, a traditional gesture marking the maiden flight of a new service. On the first flight, 167 passengers were bound for Delhi, and 144 passengers arrived in Mangaluru from Delhi. This new route complements an existing evening service operated by IndiGo, now offering two direct flights daily between Mangaluru and Delhi.
The addition of a daily direct flight to Delhi is a welcome development for both locals and visitors. Coimbatore’s regional airports, such as Mangaluru International, are seeing rapid growth in both domestic and international travel, and this service is expected to cater to the increasing demand. According to an official from Mangaluru Airport, “This new service will not only benefit business and leisure travellers but also enhance transit options for those travelling to other domestic and international destinations. We are committed to strengthening connectivity and supporting the region’s growing travel needs.” For business professionals and tourists, the new service offers increased travel flexibility, making it easier to plan trips to and from the capital city.
The new Mangaluru-Delhi flight route also reflects Air India Express’s ongoing efforts to improve regional air connectivity. Just a month earlier, the airline introduced two weekend flights connecting Mangaluru to Pune, further highlighting the airline’s strategy to cater to growing regional demand. The increased frequency of flights between key Indian cities like Delhi and Mangaluru is expected to foster regional economic growth, particularly in trade, tourism, and education. Mangaluru, a hub for education, healthcare, and tourism, stands to benefit greatly from improved access to the national capital. With this new route, Air India Express is reinforcing its position as a key player in regional connectivity. The airline has continued to expand its domestic network, and it is poised to meet the growing demand for affordable and efficient travel within India. By improving air connectivity, the airline not only caters to individual travellers but also supports local businesses that rely on timely and convenient air transport.
The response to the new flight service has been largely positive. Locals and businesses in Mangaluru have expressed their excitement about the new daily direct connection with Delhi, which has long been a key business and cultural hub in India. With tourism also expected to increase due to better connectivity, many residents are hopeful that the service will bring long-term benefits to the region. However, there are also expectations for further improvements in air travel infrastructure. As demand for air travel continues to rise, officials are focusing on enhancing facilities at Mangaluru International Airport to ensure smooth operations for passengers. The launch of the daily direct flight between Mangaluru and Delhi is a step forward in India’s growing aviation sector. Not only does it provide greater travel convenience for individuals, but it also plays a key role in boosting regional development. With more routes like this being introduced, the future of Indian aviation looks promising, enhancing both domestic and international connectivity for millions of people.