Shashi Tharoor Flags Air India Flight Cancellations From Kerala, Cites Hardship for Passengers

Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over reports that Air India plans to cancel flights from Kerala over the next few months. He said he had reached out to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson regarding the reported withdrawal of services from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur between late October and March.

“Kerala is one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country, with exceptionally high international passenger traffic, particularly to the Gulf,” Tharoor wrote on X. He added that the move would create difficulties for migrant workers, students, tourists, and families, while also impacting trade and tourism.

Tharoor also criticised the airline for withdrawing business-class services on the long Delhi–Thiruvananthapuram sector, saying it “adds insult to injury.” He warned that passengers may shift to other carriers like Akasa Air and IndiGo if Air India fails to address the issue.

Air India Express had earlier announced plans to discontinue flights from Kuwait to Kozhikode and Kannur in its upcoming winter schedule, prompting concerns among the Indian diaspora in the region. The winter schedule, pending DGCA approval, is set to start in late October.