Alliance Air, a regional subsidiary of Air India has announced daily flights from Mandakalli airport in Mysuru to Hyderabad, Kochi and Goa starting from 19 July 2019. These flights are launched under the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).
The passengers will now have the choice of travelling from Hyderabad to Mysuru and returning the same day with onward options of Kochi, Bengaluru and Goa from Mysuru.
Alliance Air has deployed 70-seater ATR-72 aircraft on the routes, which is suitable for the short runway of the Mysuru airport.
At present, Mysuru is connected to Chennai and Bengaluru. According to Mysuru Airport Director Manjunath, discussions are underway to launch flights from Mysuru to Belagavi and Shirdi. He said there is also a possibility of flight connection from Mysuru to Kannur in Kerala.
“The two flights – to Chennai and Bengaluru – have an occupancy rate of nearly 85% which is very high’’, Manjunath said. The authorities are also trying to explore air cargo potential from the region.
The new flights are expected to boost tourism in the region. The region witnesses visitors from across the world, especially during the Dasara festival. Besides, the neighbourhood includes tourist destinations such as Ooty, national parks of Bandipur and Nagarahole, Wayanad in Kerala, and also a few historical places like Belur and Halebid.
The total number of flights operating from Mysuru will be five as soon as these new services are added, and the flight movement would be 10. The airport has equipped itself with refuelling and night landing facilities. About facilities inside the airport, medical services have been introduced, and a canteen facility will begin once more flights start operating throughout the day.
It is also worth noting that Air India has launched new international flights as well. These international flights include two major routes between Indore - Dubai and Kolkata - Dubai.