Air India Express Redefines Coastal Travel With Direct Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Flight, Making It The Fastest And Most Convenient Option

Published on October 25, 2025

Air India Express is redefining coastal travel by launching its direct Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram flight, offering the fastest and most convenient option for travelers between these two cities. Starting on October 27, this new route will drastically cut down the travel time compared to the lengthy train journey, making it a game-changer for both business and leisure travelers. With three weekly flights in each direction, this service promises to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and provide a seamless travel experience for those commuting between these vibrant coastal destinations.

Starting October 27, Air India Express will launch a new flight route connecting Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, making it easier and faster for travelers to commute between these two coastal cities. The service will run three days a week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from Mangaluru, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Thiruvananthapuram. This new route promises to cut down the travel time dramatically compared to the train journey, offering a major boost to tourism, business, and personal travel between the two cities.

At present, travelers wishing to journey between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram rely on the train service, which takes approximately 9 hours. This lengthy travel time can be inconvenient for passengers, particularly those with limited time or business commitments. The Vande Bharat Express, the fastest train service between the two cities, covers the 620 km distance in about 8 hours and 40 minutes. However, the new Air India Express flight will reduce this travel time to just 80 minutes, saving passengers over 7 hours. This significant time-saving factor will undoubtedly encourage more travelers to consider flying, making the trip more efficient and convenient.

The new flight service will enhance connectivity between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, two important cities in southern India, both of which play key roles in the region’s economy and tourism industry. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches, attracting both domestic and international tourists. On the other hand, Mangaluru, located in the coastal state of Karnataka, is a bustling port city known for its educational institutions, medical facilities, and tourism spots like beaches and temples.

The new flight service will directly link the coasts of Karnataka and Kerala, providing a quicker and more accessible mode of travel for both business travelers and tourists. This flight will not only help ease travel for people commuting between these cities but will also serve as a vital connection for international passengers traveling through Mangaluru International Airport, which offers flights to destinations such as Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait.

Mangaluru International Airport, known for its growing network of domestic and international connections, expressed excitement about the new route. The airport emphasized that this new flight would provide a seamless connection between the two coasts, allowing tourists and business travelers to save valuable time. The airport also mentioned that the new service would support the regional economy by enhancing connectivity to key destinations and creating more opportunities for collaboration across various industries.

Mangaluru already has direct flight links to several key cities within India, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, and Hyderabad. It also connects to international destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Bahrain, Doha, Jeddah, and Kuwait. Now, with the addition of Thiruvananthapuram to the list, travelers will find it even more convenient to access the coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala.

For those accustomed to traveling by train, the option of flying will provide a much-needed alternative. The Vande Bharat Express, currently the fastest train between the two cities, operates at speeds of up to 160 km/h. However, even with its high-speed service, the train journey still takes a considerable amount of time. The new flight service, on the other hand, will allow passengers to complete the journey in a fraction of the time, making it an attractive option for those seeking efficiency and speed.

The timing of the flights has been scheduled to suit the needs of travelers. The flight will depart from Mangaluru at 8:45 AM, allowing for an early start to the day for business and leisure travelers. The return flight from Thiruvananthapuram will depart at 4:25 PM, giving passengers ample time to enjoy their day in the city before heading back.

Flight Information:

• Route: Mangaluru – Thiruvananthapuram (Air India Express)
• Frequency: Three days a week
• From Mangaluru: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• From Thiruvananthapuram: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• Travel Time: Train – 9 hours | Flight – 1 hour 20 minutes
• Coastal Connectivity: Direct flight connecting the coasts of Karnataka and Kerala

Schedule:

• Departure from Mangaluru: 8:45 AM
• Departure from Thiruvananthapuram: 4:25 PM

This new flight service is expected to improve tourism by making it easier for people to visit both cities, especially for travelers who previously faced long train journeys. The faster, more convenient flight option will likely encourage more visitors to explore the diverse cultural, natural, and historical attractions that Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram have to offer. Additionally, with its focus on ease and speed, this service will also benefit local businesses by fostering stronger ties between these two regions and beyond.

Air India Express is revolutionizing coastal travel with its direct Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram flight, offering the fastest and most convenient option for travelers. By drastically reducing travel time compared to the train, this new route enhances connectivity and boosts tourism between the two cities.

In conclusion, the new Air India Express flight between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram represents a game-changing development for travel in southern India. By significantly reducing travel time and providing a direct connection between two key coastal cities, this service is poised to bolster both tourism and business travel, benefiting the local economy and strengthening regional ties. As travel continues to evolve, the introduction of such time-saving services is sure to make a lasting impact on the way people move between India’s important coastal cities.