Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) has seen a further step forward in enhancing regional connectivity with the launch of direct flights to Pune, the IT hub of Maharashtra.
Air India Express commenced operations on this route on 4 January 2025. The carrier will now offer two convenient services every Saturday to cater to the growing travel demand between these two vibrant cities.
Route Inauguration Mangaluru-Pune
The inaugural flight, IX 2256, departed from Mangaluru at 8:00 AM and landed smoothly at Pune Airport (PNQ) at 9:25 AM.
Captain Asatkar Dipak Daulat commanded the aircraft, accompanied by his first officer and a four-member cabin crew. The return flight, IX 2257, took off from Pune at 9:55 AM and touched down in Mangaluru at 11:45 AM.
Recognizing the increasing travel needs of passengers, Air India Express has strategically introduced an evening flight in addition to the morning service.
Flight IX 2236 departs from Mangaluru at 6:30 PM, arriving in Pune at 8:00 PM. The return flight, IX 2237, leaves Pune at 8:35 PM and reaches Mangaluru at 10:05 PM.
About Mangaluru International Airport
Mangaluru International Airport, nestled on the picturesque Konkan coast, serves as a vital gateway to the coastal region of Karnataka.
Strategically located, it plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, tourism, and economic growth in the region. The airport has consistently strived to expand its network and offer passengers a wide range of travel options.
About Air India Express
Air India Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, is a leading low-cost carrier in India. With a strong focus on safety, affordability, and customer satisfaction, Air India Express operates a modern fleet of aircraft, connecting numerous domestic and international destinations.
The airline is committed to providing seamless travel experiences for passengers across its network.
Summary
The introduction of these new flights to Pune marks a further gain for Mangaluru International Airport.
Air connectivity has increased significantly throughout 2024. Low cost carrier Air India Express began new Boeing 737-8 services linking Chennai and Mangaluru via Bengaluru.
The airport’s achievements gained national recognition at Wings India 2024, Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition. Former Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia presented MIA with the best airport award in the “under 5 million passenger category.”
Passengers can now look forward to reduced travel times between Mangaluru and Pune. This new route reinforces Mangaluru International Airport’s growing position as a key Indian aviation hub.
With the continued expansion of its network, the airport is poised to play an even more vital role in the economic and social development of the region.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
