Air India Express will start operating twice-weekly flights between Singapore and the Indian city of Mangaluru from Jan 21, 2025. - Photo: Air India Express/Facebook
SINGAPORE: Travellers from Singapore can take a direct flight to the Indian south-western coastal city of Mangaluru when low-cost carrier Air India Express starts a new service in January.
The budget airline will start a twice-weekly service between Singapore and Mangaluru on Jan 21 that will mark the first time a direct flight is available between the two cities, said Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Air India Express in a joint statement on Monday (Dec 30).
Air India Express – the low-cost arm of India’s flagship carrier Air India – already offers direct flights daily from Singapore to Chennai, four weekly flights to Madurai, and twice-daily flights to Tiruchirappalli – all cities in Tamil Nadu.
Mangaluru, a key port city in the state of Karnataka in the south-west of India, is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, scenic coastlines and thriving industries.
The statement said: “Mangaluru is a hub for business, education, healthcare and tourism, offering diverse opportunities for travellers.”
The new flight service will take off from Changi Airport Terminal 2. Departures will be on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.25pm.
Flights to Singapore from Mangaluru will depart on the same days at 5.55am in India (8.25am, Singapore time).
The airline will offer in-flight meals, flexible fare options and XpressBiz seats, which are similar to business class seats.
Travellers can also opt to book holiday packages – including accommodation, transport and experiences - through the Air India Express website under the XPress Holidays platform.
Dr Ankur Garg, chief commercial officer of Air India Express, said: “This new route underscores our commitment to enhancing connectivity between Singapore and South India, a region with deep cultural ties to Singapore.
“Our expanded network now caters to a broader segment of travellers, offering a variety of options for both business and leisure.”
Lim Ching Kiat, CAG executive vice-president for air hub and cargo development, said the new route “strengthens Changi’s growing connectivity into India, bringing the total connected city links to 18”.
Several major carriers – including Singapore Airlines and Air India – operate direct flights to and from Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru.
“Singapore will be Mangaluru’s first international link into South-east Asia, and we look forward to welcoming both leisure and business travellers through Changi,” said Lim. - The Straits Times/ANN
