Mangaluru International Airport launched a new direct connection to Ras Al Khaimah on Monday, Oct 26, when Air India Express operated its inaugural flight IX 871. The service, scheduled twice weekly on Mondays and Saturdays, adds the UAE city to the airport's growing international network.
The first outbound flight carried 146 passengers from Mangaluru to Ras Al Khaimah, while the return leg IX 872 welcomed 36 travelers arriving at Mangaluru later that evening. Early demand suggests the route will quickly become a preferred option for the coastal Karnataka diaspora residing in the Gulf.
Under the Winter Schedule 2026, flight IX 871 departs Mangaluru at 9:30 AM, heading for Ras Al Khaimah, and flight IX 872 lands at 6:25 PM on the same day. The Emirati city lies only about an hour's drive from Dubai and Sharjah, offering convenient access for non‑resident Indians who commute between the three hubs.
According to airport officials, the winter timetable now features 58 international flights each week, of which 38 serve the United Arab Emirates – 20 to Dubai, 16 to Abu Dhabi, and the newly added two to Ras Al Khaimah. The remaining slots connect Mangaluru with other major Middle‑East destinations.
With this addition, Mangaluru Airport provides direct links to nine international and six domestic cities, a milestone that reinforces the region's role as a gateway to the Gulf. Local businesses and travel agents anticipate a boost in passenger traffic, especially during peak holiday periods, as the new route simplifies travel for families and workers alike.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK