Air India Express will restart flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai on October 28 and Abu Dhabi on December 3.
Travelers from the UAE heading to Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, can breathe a sigh of relief as Air India Express has decided to restore crucial Gulf connections that had earlier faced suspension during the upcoming winter season.
Previously, there were widespread concerns that Air India, through its budget arm Air India Express, would significantly reduce flight frequencies between Kerala and various Gulf destinations between October 2025 and March 2026. These reports triggered worry among expatriates and travel operators, especially in light of Kerala’s heavy dependence on Gulf air traffic.
MP Shashi Tharoor Confirms Return of Services
Indian Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor took to social media platform X to announce that Air India Express had agreed to reinstate major UAE-bound services from Thiruvananthapuram. He noted that flights to Dubai will resume on October 28, while Abu Dhabi services will restart from December 3.
In his post, Tharoor shared:“Happy to report that @AirIndiaX is restoring its operations from/to Thiruvananthapuram. As assured during my discussions with them, flights to Dubai will begin again from 28th October, and Abu Dhabi routes will follow from 3rd December.”
Tharoor also mentioned another upgrade in service:“@AirIndia will be deploying aircraft with business class seats on the Thiruvananthapuram–Delhi route, operating three times a day. A welcome development ahead of Deepawali – best wishes to all travelers from Kerala’s capital!”
Travel Agencies in the UAE Receive Confirmation
Travel agencies in the United Arab Emirates have now officially received the updated flight schedule. Sudheesh TP, General Manager at Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, confirmed that flight bookings on the Trivandrum–Dubai route were originally set to end on October 27, following the conclusion of the summer schedule.However, he said that plans changed when Air India Express confirmed continued services.“We’ve now received confirmation from the airline’s sales team that we can continue accepting bookings for winter departures,” Sudheesh said.
Regarding the Abu Dhabi route, he clarified there would be a temporary pause:“There will be no flights between October 28 and December 2. Services are expected to restart from December 3.”
Air India’s Broader Plans for Kerala
In a broader announcement, Air India said it intends to increase the number of international flights from Kerala to 231 and domestic services to 245 by 2026. This move is expected to offset any temporary disruptions caused by the current schedule adjustments.
Privatization and Airline Strategy
Aviation analysts suggest that these route modifications are part of standard industry practice, especially in the post-privatization era. Since Air India Express was privatized in 2022, the carrier is no longer bound to function like a government-owned entity, and commercial decisions are now more dynamic and competitive.
Experts also highlight that privatized airlines, while profit-oriented, still have to maintain a balance between business viability and public service, especially in regions like Kerala, where a large expatriate population depends heavily on Gulf connectivity. etc. In essence, the airline’s recent schedule adjustments reflect its attempt to align with global industry practices while navigating the unique expectations of a transitioning legacy brand.
Air India Express Route Adjustments: What Passengers Need to Know
Air India Express has revised its Gulf routes from Kerala, initially reducing flights but now reinstating key services. These changes reflect market-driven decisions following the airline’s 2022 Privatization.
Why did Air India Express initially reduce Gulf flights from Kerala for Winter 2025?
Air India Express made adjustments to its winter schedule as part of routine seasonal planning. Airlines often revise routes based on demand forecasts, aircraft availability, and operational efficiency. The initial reduction in flights to Gulf destinations was likely aimed at Optimizing resources during a lower travel season.
Why were the flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Thiruvananthapuram reinstated?
Following public concern and intervention by local leaders, including MP Shashi Tharoor, Air India Express reviewed its decision and confirmed that flights to Dubai will resume from October 28, and Abu Dhabi from December 3. This reflects the airline’s responsiveness to community needs, especially given the heavy Gulf-bound passenger traffic from Kerala.
Has Air India Express changed its approach since being privatized?
Yes. Since its privatization in 2022, Air India Express operates with a more commercial outlook. Unlike when it was a government-owned carrier, its current decisions are guided by profitability, market trends, and competition, rather than just public service obligations.
like simplified English, as a skeptical Cambridge friend of mine told me what Occidental is. The European languages are members of the same family. Their separate existence is a myth.
Are such route changes normal in the airline industry?
Absolutely. Seasonal and strategic route modifications are standard in global aviation. Airlines regularly adjust schedules to reflect demand, aircraft utilization, and business priorities. Temporary suspensions or reductions, especially during off-peak seasons, are common practice. like simplified English, as a skeptical Cambridge friend of mine told me what Occidental is.
Will international connectivity from Kerala improve in the future?
Yes. Air India has announced plans to expand its services from Kerala, aiming for 231 international and 245 domestic flights by 2026. This indicates a long-term commitment to strengthening connectivity from the state despite short-term schedule fluctuations. and their most common words. Everyone realizes why a new common language would be desirable: one could refuse to pay expensive translators.
Industry experts note that such route adjustments are standard practice in global aviation and reflect the airline’s evolving approach in a competitive, commercial environment. Passengers are advised to check schedules regularly.
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