Kingfisher sets sights on more Mideast destinations

Indian carrier Kingfisher Airlines has launched its first daily flights to the Middle East from Bangalore and is considering other destinations in the region, it was revealed on Thursday.

During a press conference, Kingfisher’s vice president for global sales Siva Ramachandran said the airline was eyeing further launches in Saudi Arabia and other undisclosed Middle East locations.

Talks are ongoing with various civil aviation authorities and regulatory bodies, which may lead to further Middle East routes, he added.

When discussing Kingfisher’s latest launch, Ramachrandran said: “Dubai is the airline’s fourth international destination after London, Colombo and Dhaka. The flights between Dubai and Bangalore will be operated using the A320 family of aircraft featuring Kingfisher Class, the premium economy service from Kingfisher Airlines.”

He also said the route will provide travellers flying between Dubai and Bangalore connectivity to 50 Indian destinations.

In turn, Bangalore will be a transit hub for travellers flying from Belgaum, Chennai, Calicut, Coimbatore, Hubli, Kochi, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Vijaywada to Dubai.

Richard Talian, vice president of strategy for hub operator Dubai Airports, said the tie up between Kingfisher and the airport would suit both parties.

“While Dubai is the business and leisure capital of the region, Bangalore is the heart of India’s multi-billion dollar IT sector. And whereas Dubai Airports is considered one the world’s leading aviation hubs, Kingfisher Airlines is one of India’s fastest growing international carriers,” he said.

The airline’s inaugural service from Dubai International Airport to Bangalore is scheduled to leave the UAE at 10.10pm, arriving in India at 3.45am local time. Return journeys depart at 6.15pm, touching down in Dubai at 8.55pm.

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