Mangaluru to have its first non-West Asia international flight to Singapore from January

Mangaluru will have its first non-West Asia international flight when Air India Express introduces twice-a-week flight between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Changi Airport in Singapore from January 21.

Mangaluru will have its first non-West Asia international flight when Air India Express introduces twice-a-week flight between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Changi Airport in Singapore from January 21.

Posting this on X, Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP, said: “It was wonderful to know in the new year Mangaluru will have two direct flights [a week] between Mangaluru and Singapore operated by Air India Express”.

Capt. Chowta said there were multiple requests for better air connectivity between Mangaluru and Singapore, following which he wrote to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on September 20 to facilitate the same.

The move will also enable ease of travel for business and aligns with the Act East policy of the Union Government led by Narendra Modi. The policy aims at connecting India with ASEAN and East Asian countries, he said.

“On this occasion, I also nudge Mangaloreans based in Singapore to think of coming #BackToOoru & investing in Mangaluru,” Capt. Chowta said on X.

In his September 20 letter, the MP had told the Minister that a direct flight between Mangaluru and Singapore was bound to enhance connectivity, foster economic growth, convenience and cultural exchange between southern India’s coastal region and the East Asian countries. It would benefit residents of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga and Hassan districts.

The flight departs MIA at 5.55 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays to reach Changi Airport at 1.25 p.m. The return flight leaves Singapore at 2.25 p.m. to reach Mangaluru at 4.55 p.m.