Udupi–Chikmagalur Lok Sabha MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has announced that Air India will resume its direct flight service between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026.
The assurance was given by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, following representations made by the MP seeking restoration of the international connection.
Service discontinued in 2025
According to Poojary, Air India had earlier operated a direct Mangaluru–Muscat flight, which was discontinued in July 2025 due to commercial reasons. The suspension had caused inconvenience to passengers, particularly expatriates and business travellers commuting between coastal Karnataka and Oman.
He stated that the airline has now decided to reinstate the route, and bookings for the service have already been opened. The move is expected to significantly benefit the large number of people from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts working in Muscat and neighbouring regions.
Boost for coastal connectivity
The resumption of the direct service is seen as a major relief for the region’s international travellers, reducing dependence on connecting flights through other cities.
Earlier, Poojary had urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to intervene and persuade Air India to restore the route, citing strong passenger demand and the socio-economic ties between coastal Karnataka and the Gulf region.
With bookings now underway, the announcement has generated optimism among frequent flyers and the overseas community eagerly awaiting improved connectivity from Mangaluru International Airport.