The impending discontinuation of Air India’s direct flight service between Kochi and London is expected to cause inconvenience to the Malayali community in the United Kingdom. The airline’s decision to halt the route from March 31 has sparked concerns over increased travel costs and longer journey durations.

Currently, Air India operates three weekly flights between Kochi and Gatwick Airport, offering a direct connection between Kerala and the UK . With the suspension of this service, travelers will now have to rely on alternative routes, including layovers in major transit hubs such as Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru.

The move is particularly troubling for those who visit Kerala for short-term stays, including vacations, family gatherings, and festivals. The Malayali diaspora in the UK has expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing that the direct flight was a vital link for seamless travel. In response, the Union of United Kingdom Malayali Associations (UUKMA) has launched an online petition urging the Indian government to intervene and reinstate the service.

Changes in Air India’s London Operations

While Air India is set to discontinue the Kochi-London route, adjustments are being made to other UK-bound flights. The airline is reducing its Goa-London flights from four to three per week while increasing the frequency of the Amritsar-London service to four times a week. Currently, Air India also operates flights to London from Ahmedabad and Amritsar, apart from Goa and Kochi.

A Short-Lived Relief

The Kochi-London direct route was initially introduced as a weekly service under the Vande Bharat Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the high demand from the Malayali community, the airline later regularized the service and increased its frequency to three times a week. However, the recent decision to discontinue the flight has left travelers disappointed, as it eliminates the only direct link between Kerala and the UK.

As the March 31 deadline approaches, passengers are now left exploring alternative options, bracing for longer layovers and higher travel expenses.

The post Kochi, Gatwick, Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru as Air India Suspends Direct Flights, Making Kerala-UK Travel More Expensive and Time-Consuming appeared first on Travel And Tour World.