- SUMMARY
- Air India Express to launch maiden international service from Bengaluru Airport.
- It will connect the airport to Abu Dhabi.
- The frequency on Mangaluru to Abu Dhabi service will be increased as well.
Air India has signed a partnership with Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) to transform Bengaluru Airport as its hub for South India. The airline has promised to connect Bengaluru to various international destinations. Now, it seems that the process has started.
Just a day after the commencement of the Bengaluru to Gatwick service, Air India Express has opened the bookings for the Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi route. With this, Air India Express will become the sole Indian carrier operating between Bengaluru and Abu Dhabi.
Air India Express: Connecting Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi
From 23 July, Air India Express will connect Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH). Flights will be operated four times a week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737 MAX 8 on this route.
Here is a quick look at the flight timings:
Flight Number | Origin | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Destination |
IX 811 | Bengaluru | 15:25 | 18:00 | Abu Dhabi |
IX 812 | Abu Dhabi | 18:55 | 00:40 (+1) | Bengaluru |
This will be the first international service of Air India Express from Bengaluru Airport. With time, the airline will enhance its international network from this airport. Air India Express currently connects Bengaluru to 13 domestic cities. The commencement of the Abu Dhabi service will mark the airline’s international launch from Bengaluru Airport.
At present, Etihad Airways is the only operational airline on this route. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier operates twice daily on this route. It is also expected to expand services. From 15 June, it will operate 17 times a week on this route. On July 26, it will be further enhanced to 18 times a week. Etihad deploys a mix of Airbus A321, and Boeing 787 on this route.
Expanding Frequency on Mangaluru to Abu Dhabi
After IndiGo, Air India Express seems to be making the best use of the pending bilateral air service rights between India and Abu Dhabi. In addition to the launch of the Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi service, it will be increasing the frequency of the Mangaluru to Abu Dhabi service.
At present, the airline operates four times a week between both cities. Starting July 22, the airline will operate three additional flights on this route. To position the aircraft, it will add another three weekly flights on the Bengaluru to Mangaluru sector. With this addition, it will be operating 17 times a week on this domestic route.
Airports like Mangaluru and Kannur are not included in the Points of Call (POC) for foreign carriers. This means that foreign carriers can not operate to Mangaluru. Hence, these airports are dependent on home carriers for international flights. Air India Express is the sole carrier operating between Mangaluru and Abu Dhabi.
In August, Air India will launch its third international route from Bengaluru Airport. This maiden Bengaluru to Europe service will land at Gatwick Airport on August 18. Read More about the Bengaluru to Gatwick launch here: Finally: Air India Opens Bookings For Bengaluru to London Gatwick Route
Conclusion
Air India Express will launch flights from Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi in July. In addition, it will enhance the frequency of the Mangaluru to Abu Dhabi route. On BLR-AUH service, the airline will face direct competition on this route.
What do you think about the service expansion of Air India Express? Discuss in the comment section.
Book flights here: Air India Express
Featured Image Credits: Air India Express via Facebook
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