Mangalore: Jet Airways to connect Mangalore - Mumbai - Riyadh from Jun 14

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, May 21 : At a time when  the efforts to directly connect the city with  Saudi Arabian destinations like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are still on, Jet Airways, India's premier private airline, has decided to connect Mangalore - Mumbai - Riyadh from Jun 14, 2009 on wards.

There will be a daily flight. The connecting Jet flight will take off from Mangalore at 3.15 pm and arrive at Mumbai airport at 4.20 pm. The Mumbai - Riyad flight will take off at 7.30 pm and arrive at Riyadh at 9.05 pm Saudi Time.

The return flight from Riyadh will take off at 10.05 pm every day and arrive at Mumbai at 4.30 am. The connecting flight from Mumbai to Mangalore will be at 9.20 am, which is set to reach  Mangalore at 10.30am.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Jet Airways official from Mumbai said that the airline is awaiting the final nod from the Central Aviation Authority, but added  that they have already recieved booking instructions. As such, no hurdles are expected in the smooth operation of the proposed flights.

Air India Express:

Due to the general election in the country, the process of Mangalore - Dammam flight was kept on hold, and every one's eyes are now on the new aviation minister at centre. Though Praful Patel, former aviation minister, has got re-elected from his constituency, there is no guarantee that he will be given the same portfolio.

Once the aviation minister takes oath, Mangalore - Saudi destinations direct flight process will gain momentum and within the next few days, a final confirmation will be received.

According to the previous plans, AI Express flight to Saudi Arabia was supposed to take off in the month of April 09, but pending the government nod, the plan was kept in abeyance.