Mangaluru: In a significant boost to international air connectivity, Jazeera Airways has announced the launch of special twice-weekly flights between Kuwait and Mangaluru via Dammam. The new service is scheduled to commence from April 9.
The airline revealed that Mangaluru is among four new Indian destinations being added to its expanding network, alongside Calicut, Tiruchirappalli, and Kannur. These routes will be operated through Dammam Airport, strengthening connectivity between India and the Gulf region.
Flight schedule and timings
Flights between Kuwait and Mangaluru will operate on Mondays and Thursdays, offering convenient travel options for passengers. The total journey time is estimated to be approximately six hours, including the transit halt at Dammam.
Flight J9 3417 will depart Kuwait at 8.40 am (local time) and arrive in Mangaluru at 4.10 pm. The return flight, J9 3418, is scheduled to depart Mangaluru at 4.55 pm IST and reach Kuwait at 7.40 pm (local time).
Officials stated that the schedule has been designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, as well as the large expatriate community from coastal Karnataka residing in the Gulf.
Expansion of India network
According to CEO Barathan Pasupathi, the airline is expanding its footprint in India with the addition of multiple destinations. Flights to Calicut will begin on April 8, operating twice weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays. Services to Tiruchirappalli are set to start on April 7, with operations on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Meanwhile, flights to Kannur are scheduled to commence on April 14, with departures on Tuesdays and Fridays. With these additions, the airline’s India network will expand to 12 destinations.
The new routes will complement Jazeera Airways’ existing services to major Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Growing passenger demand
The airline has reported strong passenger demand following the resumption of its India operations on March 20. Since then, it has carried over 11,000 passengers across its routes.
Industry observers note that the introduction of direct and connecting flights to tier-2 cities like Mangaluru reflects increasing travel demand from non-metro regions. The move is expected to significantly benefit migrant workers, business travellers, and families with roots in coastal Karnataka.
Resumption despite global challenges
Jazeera Airways had previously operated special flights to Mangaluru during the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision to resume services on this route comes despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in parts of the Middle East.
The airline’s continued expansion indicates confidence in the resilience of the aviation sector and sustained demand for travel between India and Gulf countries.
Conclusion
The launch of Kuwait–Mangaluru flights marks an important development for international connectivity in the region. With improved access to the Gulf, passengers from Mangaluru and nearby areas can expect greater convenience, reduced travel time, and more options for overseas travel.
The new service is also likely to strengthen economic and cultural ties between India and Kuwait, while supporting the travel needs of thousands of expatriates.