Mangaluru: Flight connectivity from Mangaluru International Airport is set for a significant boost from March, with multiple airlines adding new frequencies on domestic and international sectors. The expanded summer schedule is expected to increase passenger traffic and strengthen links with key destinations across India and the Gulf region.
Airport and airline sources said the revised timetable includes restoration of suspended routes, additional weekly frequencies, and short-term capacity enhancements to meet rising seasonal demand. Travellers, especially expatriates and business passengers, are expected to benefit from the broader network.
Muscat route to resume after eight-month gap
A major development is the resumption of the direct Mangaluru–Muscat service by Air India Express, which had been suspended around eight months ago. The twice-weekly service will restart from March 1, with bookings already opened across reservation platforms.
The earlier suspension had created difficulties for travellers from coastal Karnataka working in Oman, many of whom were forced to use alternate airports and connecting flights. Passenger groups and community organisations had repeatedly petitioned authorities and elected representatives seeking restoration of the direct link.
Shashidhar Shetty Mallar, an entrepreneur based in Oman, said the reinstatement comes after sustained follow-up by community members. Families of expatriate workers have welcomed the move, calling it a practical relief in terms of cost and travel time.
IndiGo restores daily Abu Dhabi flights
In another boost to Gulf connectivity, IndiGo will restore daily flights on the Mangaluru–Abu Dhabi sector from March. The airline had reduced operations to four weekly services in February due to schedule adjustments.
With the return of daily frequency, capacity on this sector will increase substantially, offering more flexibility for passengers travelling for employment, family visits, and business. Travel agents said demand on Gulf routes traditionally rises ahead of the summer season and school holidays.
Higher frequency to Dammam and Bahrain
Air India Express is also increasing frequency on the Mangaluru–Dammam route to six flights a week from March. Officials indicated that the service is planned to be upgraded to a daily operation from April, subject to load factors and operational clearance.
Additionally, the airline will temporarily operate four weekly flights on the Bahrain sector during the first half of March. This short-term enhancement is aimed at managing peak passenger movement during the period.
Industry observers note that airlines are closely watching seat occupancy on Gulf routes and are prepared to quickly adjust frequencies based on demand trends.
Extra Bengaluru flights to meet domestic demand
On the domestic front, Air India Express will introduce a third daily service between Mangaluru and Bengaluru from March 13 to March 26. The additional flights are being scheduled to handle increased passenger demand on the busy business and connecting route.
The Bengaluru sector serves not only point-to-point travellers but also those connecting onward to other Indian and international destinations through the metro hub. Travel industry representatives said extra rotations on this route usually record strong seat factors.
More routes under evaluation
IndiGo officials indicated that further expansion may follow in the coming months. On the international side, the airline is evaluating potential services to Dammam and Jeddah. Domestically, it is studying the feasibility of adding direct connections to Kochi and Kolkata.
A recently introduced service to Navi Mumbai International Airport has recorded encouraging passenger loads of around 80–85%, according to airport sources. Many travellers are reportedly using this route as a gateway for onward journeys to pilgrimage and business centres such as Shirdi and Pune.
Outlook for summer travel season
With airlines strengthening schedules ahead of the summer travel season, overall seat capacity is set to rise steadily. Aviation stakeholders expect higher passenger throughput, improved fare competition, and better route choice for flyers.
If demand remains strong, more frequency additions and new destinations could be announced. The expanded schedule marks a positive phase for the airport’s network growth and regional air connectivity.