Air India Express commences direct flights from Bengaluru & Kolkata to Port Blair

In a move that significantly improves connectivity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Air India Express has begun operations of direct flights from Bengaluru and Kolkata to Port Blair. The airline has also announced launch of direct flights to Port Blair from Chennai.

Air India Express, low-cost subsidiary of Air India, has begun direct daily flights from Bengaluru and Kolkata to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in a move that is likely promote tourism to the paradisiacal islands with this improved connectivity.

In a press statement, Air India Express says that it marked a significant milestone with the commencement of daily direct flights from Sri Vijaya Puram in Port Blair to Bengaluru and Kolkata on Sunday.

The statement adds that these inaugural flights mark Sri Vijaya Puram’s addition to the rapidly expanding Air India Express network, strengthening the airline’s presence in the region and enhancing connectivity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a key tourist destination. Additionally, the airline commenced daily operations from Jammu to Delhi and Srinagar, today.

The airline says that the first flight from Sri Vijaya Puram to Kolkata took off at 08:35, followed by the inaugural flight from Sri Vijaya Puram to Bengaluru at 13:50. To mark the occasion, the airline hosted celebrations at Sri Vijaya Puram Airport, featuring decorated check-in counters, sweet distributions and a ceremonial presentation of boarding cards to the first guests of both flights.

The statement adds that similar celebrations were held at Bengaluru and Kolkata airports to mark the inaugural flights to Sri Vijaya Puram, underscoring Air India Express’s commitment to providing enhanced connectivity between the Andaman Islands and major cities.

Air India Express says that starting January 1, 2025, it will begin services to Chennai, further enhancing connectivity from Sri Vijaya Puram. Additionally, the frequency of the Kolkata service will increase to twice daily starting December 15.

Air India Express says it now operates 21 weekly flights from Sri Vijaya Puram, more than 370 from Bengaluru and 160 from Kolkata. Recently, Air India Express announced a significant milestone as its network surpassed the 50-destination mark with the addition of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, Dimapur in Nagaland and Patna, capital of Bihar. It says that the additions reflect the airline’s rapid expansion, supported by its growing fleet, which now boasts 90 aircraft, with a new addition joining every week.