Direct flight to Saudi Arabia awaits clearance from new Ministry

Bangalore: According to a UNI report, introduction of direct flight to Saudi Arabian destinations by Air India Express awaits clearance from the new Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) at the Centre. Sources at Mangalore’s Bajpe Airport told UNI that the process of direct flight between Mangalore and Dammam by Air India Express was kept on hold due to the general elections. Mangaloreans, who reside in sufficient number in Saudi destinations were hopeful that once the new Aviation Minister assumes office, the process of direct flights between Mangalore and Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam would gain momentum and a final confirmation would be expected soon. According to earlier plans, the flight to Saudi Arabia was supposed to take off in April this year, but due to the pending government nod, the plan was kept in abeyance.
As reported by TravelBiz Monitor earlier, Jet Airways has decided to connect Mangalore-Mumbai-Riyadh from June 14. Though the airline was awaiting clearance from the Central Aviation Authority, it had received booking instructions. As per the proposed schedule, the Jet Airways will run a daily flight between Mangalore and Riyadh.
22/05/09 TravelBizMonitor

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