After 68 years, AI flight connecting Madurai and Chennai to stop operations from Oct. 25
With the closure of operations on the sector by AI Express, the route will become monopoly for Indigo, which operates over five flights daily between the two cities
Air India's (AI) Express flight connecting Madurai and Chennai, operating for 68 years, is set to stop from October 25, according to industry sources. The Chennai-Madurai-Chennai sector, initially served by both Indian Airlines and Air India, was popular among frequent flyers due to its affordable airfare. With the closure, Indigo will control the route, which currently offers five daily flights.
Despite concerns about poor patronage and cost-effectiveness, travel agents and tour operators noted that on the last day of operations, 159 passengers traveled from Chennai to Madurai and 70 each way on the return journey. Operators questioned how Air India could make the Madurai-Bengaluru route viable if it ended services on this sector.
Travel agents from Madurai, Sivakasi, and Karaikudi expressed disappointment, hoping Air India would reconsider. They feared foreign tourists planning trips during peak seasons might be deterred, and high costs could discourage visits to Madurai.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
