Air India Express Launches Direct Flights Between Mangaluru and Ras Al Khaimah
Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport marked a milestone in its international connectivity on Monday with the launch of Air India Express’ direct flight service to Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), adding a new international destination to its network.
The service was launched on the second day of the Winter Schedule 2026, making Ras Al Khaimah, an industrial and port city in the UAE, the latest addition to Mangaluru’s expanding international network.
The inaugural outbound flight, IX 871, departed from Mangaluru for Ras Al Khaimah with 146 passengers on board, indicating encouraging demand for the new service. The inbound flight, IX 872, arrived in Mangaluru with 36 passengers.
Of the 58 international flights scheduled weekly from Mangaluru International Airport under the Winter Schedule, 38 operate to the UAE, including 20 flights to Dubai, 16 to Abu Dhabi and two to Ras Al Khaimah. The remaining flights connect Mangaluru with other major destinations in the Middle East.
Air India Express will operate the Mangaluru–Ras Al Khaimah service every Monday and Saturday. Flight IX 871 is scheduled to depart from Mangaluru at 9.30 a.m., while flight IX 872 is scheduled to arrive from Ras Al Khaimah at 6.25 p.m.
Ras Al Khaimah’s proximity to Sharjah and Dubai, both accessible by road in approximately an hour or more depending on the destination and traffic conditions, makes the new service a convenient option for expatriates and other travellers visiting the UAE.
The addition of Ras Al Khaimah further strengthens Mangaluru International Airport’s connectivity with the Gulf region, a key travel market for residents of coastal Karnataka and neighbouring districts.
Under the Winter Schedule 2026, the airport now serves nine international destinations and six domestic sectors, offering passengers more travel options for business, leisure and visits to friends and relatives.
The launch of the new service reflects the continued confidence of airline partners in the Mangaluru market and reinforces the airport’s role as a key gateway connecting coastal Karnataka with the Middle East. The route is expected to benefit expatriates, migrant communities and leisure travellers while expanding international travel options from the region.
