Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 8: In a significant update, Air India Express has deferred its plans to operate the Mangaluru-Singapore (Changi) route, citing operational reasons.

The airline had earlier revealed its intention to launch the route starting January 21, 2025, with bi-weekly flights under flight numbers IX862 and IX861. This service was set to enhance international connectivity for travellers from the coastal region.

According to the initial plan, flight IX862 would have departed from Mangaluru at 5:55 AM and reached Singapore at 1:25 PM (local time). The return flight IX861 was scheduled to leave Singapore at 2:25 PM, arriving back in Mangaluru by 4:55 PM.

However, the airline's booking system has now removed the route, indicating the decision to defer the service for now.

While this has disappointed travellers anticipating international connectivity, the airline remains committed to expanding its services from Mangaluru.

Air India Express launched its Mangaluru-Pune route on January 4. Additionally, a new daily flight to Delhi is set to commence on February 1, and an additional daily flight to Mumbai will begin operations from February 15, further enhancing domestic connectivity from Mangaluru.