Mangalore International Airport (MIA) is set to enhance its connectivity with the introduction of a new non-stop flight to Tiruchirappalli International Airport in Tamil Nadu. The Air India Express service, operating once a week, will commence on April 3, facilitating seamless travel between the two southern Indian cities.

Starting April 3, the non-stop service will operate on Wednesdays from Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TIA) and Thursdays from Mangalore International Airport. This strategic addition to the flight schedule aims to cater to the needs of pilgrims and travelers, particularly those embarking on a pilgrimage to the revered Vailankani shrine.

The decision to initiate non-stop flights between Mangalore and Tiruchirappalli was influenced by the arrival of a flight to Jeddah from Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is also scheduled to commence on April 3.

The airline will deploy Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a 186-seater all-economy configuration on this route. After landing in Mangalore, the same flight will continue to Jeddah.

The non-stop flight, designated as IX 1498, will depart every Thursday at 5 am from Mangalore International Airport to Tiruchirappalli. The return flight, IX 1499, will depart from Tiruchirappalli at 12:50 pm. The flight duration is approximately one hour, providing passengers with a convenient and efficient travel option.

Furthermore, these flights will also operate non-stop between Jeddah and Mangalore International Airport. Flight IX 499 will depart from Mangalore at 2:50 pm, arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 6:25 pm. The return flight, IX 498, will depart from Jeddah at 7:25 pm and arrive in Mangalore early at 3:40 am.

The introduction of this non-stop flight service is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility between Mangalore and Tiruchirappalli, catering to the growing travel demands of passengers and facilitating pilgrimage journeys to the Vailankani shrine and beyond.