Starting on January 21, Mangaluru will have a direct, nonstop flight to Singapore, marking the first Southeast Asian international route from Mangaluru International Airport. This new service also opens a gateway for travelers from Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Far East to connect to the West Coast of the USA. Furthermore, it offers an alternative connection for passengers traveling from this region to the Middle East, with many flights operating from Mangaluru. Air India Express will operate the service twice a week, with the inaugural flight arriving on January 21. This much-anticipated route fulfills a longstanding need for direct connectivity between Coastal Karnataka, Malnad, northern Kerala, and Singapore, an effort championed by local stakeholders for several years.
Brijesh Chowta, MP for Dakshina Kannada, expressed his excitement on social media, highlighting the route’s significance as the second international destination after the Middle East. This new service is a milestone following his persistent efforts and collaborations with the Civil Aviation Ministry. The connection is expected to encourage more airlines to introduce similar services. Additionally, it aligns with the Union Government’s Act East policy, further fostering ties between India and ASEAN/East Asian nations. The flight schedule is as follows: departing Changi Airport at 5:55 AM, arriving at Mangaluru at 1:25 PM, and returning from Mangaluru at 2:25 PM, reaching Changi at 4:55 PM.
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