Mangaluru: After sustained efforts by Mangalureans residing in the Sultanate of Oman, Air India Express (AIE) has agreed to resume its direct flight services from Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) to Muscat from March 2026. The airline had abruptly suspended operations six months ago without issuing a formal explanation, causing significant inconvenience to nearly 20,000 expatriates from the region working in Oman.
Suspension caused hardship to expats
AIE previously operated four weekly flights between Mangaluru and Muscat. The sudden suspension compelled passengers—many employed in blue- and white-collar jobs—to reroute their travel through Mumbai, Bengaluru, or other airports, increasing both travel time and cost. Community members had been consistently appealing to the authorities to reinstate the direct connection.
Community efforts lead to breakthrough
According to Oman-based Mangalurean entrepreneur Shashidhar Shetty Mallar, the decision to restart services came after continuous follow-ups by expatriates and intervention by MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and former vice-president of the Karnataka NRI Forum, Capt Ganesh Karnik. The duo raised the concerns directly with the Union civil aviation minister and the AIE CEO, resulting in official confirmation that flights will resume from March 2026.
Shetty expressed relief and gratitude, noting that the move will significantly ease travel for the large Mangalurean community in Oman, many of whom travel frequently for work and family commitments.
Bookings begin; attempts underway to prepone launch
Travel agents have already started receiving bookings for the reinstated route. As before, flights are scheduled to operate four days a week: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
However, efforts are also underway to advance the restart date. Shetty said that community representatives are requesting the resumption of services by early January 2026, citing the high demand and the ongoing challenges faced by expats due to the lack of direct flights.
He added that MP Chowta has communicated his intentions to hold another round of discussions with the civil aviation ministry and senior airline officials. “We are expecting another positive response,” Shetty said, expressing hope that the service could be reinstated earlier than planned.
A matter of connectivity and community
For the large coastal Karnataka diaspora in Oman, direct connectivity to Mangaluru is critical. The route had long served as an important lifeline for families, workers, and businesses. With the official confirmation of the March relaunch, and ongoing efforts to advance the date, expats are optimistic that improved air connectivity will soon be restored.