Mangaluru: Direct air connectivity between Mangaluru and Kuwait, which has remained suspended for the past six months amid the war in the region, is likely to resume soon, with Air India Express preparing to restart the service as part of its winter schedule.

According to available information, Air India Express is expected to operate three direct flights a week between Mangaluru and Kuwait from October 27. The flights are scheduled to operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The proposed resumption is expected to provide relief to passengers travelling between coastal Karnataka and Kuwait, particularly expatriates and families who have depended on direct connectivity between the two destinations.

Three flights a week planned

Air India Express is reportedly preparing to include the Mangaluru-Kuwait sector in its winter schedule.

The proposed service will operate three times a week, with flights scheduled on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from October 27.

Before the suspension, Air India Express operated three weekly flights between Mangaluru and Kuwait. The proposed schedule would therefore restore the frequency that was available before the disruption.

The service is particularly significant for passengers from Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring coastal districts, as well as those from parts of Kerala and Karnataka who use Mangaluru International Airport for travel to the Gulf.

The resumption will also strengthen Mangaluru’s international connectivity, which plays an important role in serving the region’s large expatriate population.

Service suspended amid regional conflict

The Mangaluru-Kuwait service was suspended following the outbreak of the Iran-Israel and US conflict on February 28.

The escalation in the region had a significant impact on air connectivity with several Gulf destinations, with flight operations being suspended or disrupted as airlines assessed the security situation.

As the intensity of the conflict subsequently reduced, air services to most destinations were gradually restored. However, direct connectivity between Mangaluru and Kuwait remained suspended.

The prolonged suspension left passengers travelling between the two cities dependent on alternative routes and connecting flights.

Kuwait airport operations gradually restored

Kuwait’s air connectivity was also affected during the conflict after the country’s airport sustained damage in a missile attack.

Although the airport was subsequently repaired and operations resumed, international airline services did not immediately return to their earlier levels.

Until recently, Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways were among the carriers operating flights from Kuwait, while other foreign airlines had not fully restored their services.

With the regional situation easing, foreign airlines have gradually begun reassessing and restarting services to Kuwait.

Air India Express is now preparing to reintroduce its Mangaluru-Kuwait connection, according to the available information.

Boost for Mangaluru’s international connectivity

The proposed resumption is significant for Mangaluru International Airport, which serves a large number of passengers travelling to Gulf countries.

Kuwait is an important destination for expatriates from coastal Karnataka, and direct flights reduce both travel time and the inconvenience associated with connecting flights.

The Mangaluru-Kuwait route had been operating with three weekly Air India Express services before the suspension. Its proposed return will restore a direct option for passengers travelling between the two cities.

For travellers, the service is also expected to improve connectivity for family visits, employment-related travel and other journeys between Karnataka and Kuwait.

The proposed October 27 restart remains subject to the airline’s final operational schedule. If implemented as planned, the service will mark the return of direct Mangaluru-Kuwait connectivity after a prolonged interruption caused by the regional conflict.