Air India Express has reversed its earlier decision to reduce flights from Kerala to the UAE, following backlash from the community and politicians. The low-cost airline had initially cancelled several services from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as from other airports in Kerala, including Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur, as part of its winter schedule. However, after facing criticism, the airline has agreed to reinstate flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai starting from October 28 and to Abu Dhabi from December 3.
The news was confirmed by Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, who tweeted that Air India Express had promised to reinstate the flights during a meeting with him. UAE-based travel agents also received notifications about the continued operations of Kerala flights, citing pressure from the community and politicians as the reason for the airline’s change of heart. According to Sudheesh TP, general manager of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, the airline had realigned its network based on demand, but reinstated the flights due to the backlash.
The decision is expected to bring relief to Malayali expats in the UAE, who were facing difficulties due to the reduced flight schedule, particularly with the upcoming holiday season of Diwali and Christmas. The reinstatement of flights will provide more options for travelers and help to ease the congestion at airports during the peak travel period. The move is seen as a victory for the community, which had come together to express their concerns and lobby for the reinstatement of the flights.
The reversal of the decision is also a testament to the power of community pressure and political intervention in shaping the decisions of airlines. The incident highlights the importance of listening to customer feedback and being responsive to the needs of the community. With the reinstatement of flights, Air India Express is likely to regain the trust of its customers and maintain its position as a major player in the Kerala-UAE route. Overall, the decision is a positive development for travelers and the airline, and is expected to have a positive impact on the travel industry in the region.