India’s largest low-cost airline, IndiGo, has announced plans to introduce direct flights between Bengaluru and Jaffna, enhancing connectivity between South India and Tamil Eelam.
The airline, already the largest foreign carrier in Sri Lanka, currently operates 54 weekly flights connecting Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai, with cities such as Colombo and Jaffna.
Currently, Jaffna has direct air links only with Chennai, with many travellers from South India forced to transit through Chennai or Colombo. The new route will eliminate the need for lengthy layovers, benefiting an estimated 25,000 annual pilgrims as well as business and leisure travellers.
IndiGo's expansion reflects the strengthening economic and cultural connections between India and Jaffna.
If regulatory approvals are secured, the new flights could commence in the coming months, with IndiGo expected to deploy its latest ATR 72-600 aircraft on the route.
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