Amidst the escalating tension between India and the Maldives, Alliance Air, the sole airline operating flights to Lakshadweep, has initiated additional services due to a surge in passenger demand. Alliance Air, the exclusive Indian carrier serving Lakshadweep, has introduced extra flights on the Kochi-Agatti-Kochi route. The supplementary flights will operate on Sundays and Wednesdays, providing increased accessibility to the picturesque islands.
Currently, Alliance Air operates daily flights utilizing 70-seater aircraft between Kochi in Kerala and Agatti island, which houses a regional airport catering to Lakshadweep. The airline has been operating at full capacity, with tickets sold out until March. In response to heightened demand, an airline official noted that an additional flight was added, and if necessary, the frequency could be further increased.
The move comes as Lakshadweep gains prominence, particularly after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Union Territory on January 22, where he shared delightful images and emphasized the potential for beach tourism in the island cluster. However, a social media post by Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, mocking and disrespecting PM Modi’s visit, sparked outrage and calls for boycotting the Maldives.
Meanwhile, travel portals report a record surge in queries for Lakshadweep, indicating a growing interest in exploring the picturesque destination. The decision by Alliance Air to enhance services aligns with the broader context of fostering tourism to the Indian archipelago and ensuring convenient connectivity for eager travelers.