BENGALURU- Air India (AI), India’s flag carrier, is reportedly planning to launch two additional international long-haul flights from Bangalore (BLR). Rumors suggest that the airline wants to operate direct flights from Bengaluru to Frankfurt (FRA) in Germany and Melbourne (MEL) in Australia.
In 2023, the airline stated that it would establish its third hub in India at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR), South India’s largest and busiest airport.
Air India Bengaluru Flights
Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, is a major business hub with a rising international tourism market. The city has nonstop flights to several significant destinations, including San Francisco (SFO), Tokyo (NRT), and Sydney (SYD).
With these newly predicted Air India flights, Bengaluru Airport might reinforce its status as a vital international gateway for the country. It may, however, be the first step toward network growth from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), after the airline’s decision to establish a hub there.
Bengaluru-Frankfurt (BLR-FRA) Route
Frankfurt is one of Europe’s busiest and most important airports for both business and leisure travel. Frankfurt (FRA), Lufthansa’s major hub, is a large airport that connects tourists to Germany’s financial center as well as a diverse range of global locations.
The projected Air India (AI) Bengaluru (BLR)-Frankfurt (FRA) route is expected to provide Indian visitors a new travel choice.
Demand for the Bengaluru (BLR) – Frankfurt (FRA) route is extremely high. In 2023 alone, the segment saw approximately 117,000 travelers. This explains why Lufthansa (LH) is deploying one of its largest aircraft, the B747-8i, in the area.
This could also explain why Air India (AI) is considering Frankfurt (FRA) as its next destination in the EU after London Heathrow (LHR) from Bengaluru.
Lufthansa is currently the only airline that operates nonstop flights between the two cities. Air India’s rumored entry into this market could shift the game. More direct flights, particularly by diverse airlines, promotes good competition in the sectors. More flights could result in improved connectivity and better ticket options for consumers.
Air India’s presence could further boost demand in the sector, as direct flights can encourage demand. Air India could cater to the growing needs of this sector consisting of mainly business travelers, expatriates, students, and leisure travelers.
Bengaluru-Melbourne (BLR-MEL)
Melbourne has a wealthy Indian population, with a significant proportion from the southern Indian state of Karnataka and other surrounding southern Indian states. Aside from that, cultural diversity and the availability of gorgeous scenery attract visitors.
The city also attracts international students who want to pursue higher education. There is certainly possibility for a direct flight from South India to Melbourne.
The demand from Bengaluru to Melbourne is also good. Nearly 55,000 people traveled between Bengaluru and Melbourne in 2023. According to the numbers, this area has a lot of promise.
Air India currently operates direct flights from Delhi (DEL) to Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL). At the same time, Bengaluru (BLR) has a non-stop connection to Sydney (SYD) by Qantas Airlines (QF).
There was another news earlier where an Australian tour operator said that Air India would soon introduce its Bengaluru to Melbourne route by the year 2024 ending December. It was likewise baseless news. Moreover, the Melbourne Airport CEO had been holding talks for a connection with Bengaluru with many Indian and Australian airlines.
Direct service from Bengaluru to Melbourne would bring a lot of advantages, including less transit time and no layovers to hassle.
Bottom line
While Air India has not officially confirmed these flights, these reports are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Especially now that Air India (AI) has created a hub at Kempegowda International Airport.
These routes, if begun, may greatly increase the airline’s worldwide reach from its Bengaluru (BLR) hub, as well as service much-needed key international destinations from Bengaluru.
Only time will tell if these rumors become truth. The likelihood of Air India expanding to Frankfurt (FRA) and Melbourne (MEL) is a positive development for Bengaluru.