Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns over reported large-scale cancellations of Air India Express services from Kerala airports during the upcoming winter schedule. In a letter addressed to Air India Managing Director Campbell Wilson, Tharoor highlighted the potential impact on Kerala's high international passenger traffic, particularly to the Gulf region.

Flight Cancellations and Their Impact

The cancellations, set to take effect from late October to March, affect flights from four major Kerala airports:

• Thiruvananthapuram
• Kochi
• Kozhikode
• Kannur

Tharoor emphasized that these service curtailments could cause significant hardship to various groups, including:

• Migrant workers
• Students
• Tourists
• Families

Moreover, the Congress leader warned that the cancellations could hamper trade and tourism in the region.

Criticism of Air India's Strategy

Tharoor didn't limit his criticism to Air India Express. He also took aim at the parent company, Air India, for withdrawing business-class services on the Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram route. The politician cautioned that such decisions could benefit competitors like IndiGo and Akasa Air if Air India continues to disregard Kerala's interests.

Air India Express and Its Parent Company

Air India Express, the low-cost arm of the Tata-owned Air India Group, has been an important carrier for Kerala's international travelers, particularly those flying to Gulf countries. The reported cancellations come at a time when the aviation industry is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implications for Kerala's Air Connectivity

Kerala's high international passenger traffic, especially to the Gulf region, makes these cancellations particularly significant. The state has a large diaspora working in Gulf countries, and these flight reductions could potentially disrupt travel plans and impact the local economy.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Air India Express and its parent company will respond to the concerns raised by Tharoor and potentially affected passengers. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the airline adjusts its winter schedule or maintains the reported cancellations, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of air travel from Kerala to the Gulf region.

Air India Express, the Tata-owned airline, is set to significantly expand its domestic network, adding new routes and increasing its presence in Rajasthan. The carrier has announced plans to launch daily direct flights connecting Jodhpur and Udaipur to major metros Delhi and Bengaluru.

Network Expansion

With these additions, Air India Express will extend its reach to 60 domestic destinations across India. The airline's growing footprint in Rajasthan is notable, as it will now operate from three cities in the state:

• Jodhpur (New)
• Udaipur (New)
• Jaipur (Existing)

The existing operations from Jaipur are robust, with 75 weekly flights connecting to eight Indian cities and Dubai.

Recent Growth

Air India Express has been on an expansion spree, adding six new destinations to its network:

1. Dimapur
2. Hindon
3. Kathmandu
4. North Goa
5. Patna
6. Phuket

Fleet and Operations

The airline currently operates with a fleet of 115 aircraft, showcasing its capacity to serve a wide range of routes. Its operations are particularly strong in two major Indian metros:

Bengaluru Operations

• 440+ weekly flights
• Connects to 36 domestic destinations
• Serves 4 international destinations

Delhi Operations

• 288 weekly flights
• Links to 20 domestic destinations
• Connects to 4 international destinations

This expansion aligns with Air India Express's strategy to strengthen its domestic network while maintaining its international presence. The new routes from Jodhpur and Udaipur are expected to enhance connectivity for travelers from Rajasthan to major Indian cities, potentially boosting tourism and business travel in the region.

As the airline continues to grow its network, passengers can anticipate improved travel options and increased frequency of flights across India. The expansion also reflects the Tata Group's commitment to investing in and growing its aviation business since acquiring Air India and its subsidiaries.