Mangaluru: Mangaluru’s air links with the Gulf have received a boost with the launch of a direct flight to Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, adding a new destination to the coastal city’s growing international network.

Air India Express commenced the service on Monday, the second day of the Winter Schedule 2026, connecting Mangaluru with the UAE’s industrial and port city twice a week. The new route is expected to offer greater convenience to expatriates from coastal Karnataka and neighbouring districts, as well as business and leisure travellers.

The inaugural outbound flight, IX 871, departed from Mangaluru International Airport with 146 passengers, indicating encouraging demand for the new connection. The return flight, IX 872, arrived in Mangaluru with 36 passengers.

The service will operate every Monday and Saturday. Flight IX 871 is scheduled to depart Mangaluru at 9.30 am, while IX 872 is scheduled to arrive from Ras Al Khaimah at 6.25 pm.

The new connection also offers travellers access to a wider part of the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah’s proximity to Sharjah and Dubai, both approximately an hour’s drive away, could make the service an attractive option for expatriates and others travelling within the region.

The addition of Ras Al Khaimah comes as the airport expands its international operations under the Winter Schedule 2026. Of the 58 international flights scheduled weekly, 38 connect Mangaluru with the UAE: 20 to Dubai, 16 to Abu Dhabi and two to Ras Al Khaimah. The remaining services link the coastal city with other major destinations in the Middle East.

Mangaluru now has international air connectivity to nine destinations and domestic services to six sectors under the winter schedule, widening travel options for passengers from coastal Karnataka.

The Gulf remains a significant market for the region, home to a large expatriate community with strong personal, family and business ties to the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. Direct flights play an important role in facilitating travel for migrant workers, families visiting relatives, businesspeople and holidaymakers.

With Ras Al Khaimah joining its network, Mangaluru International Airport has another connection serving these links. The new route also reflects the continuing expansion of air travel options between coastal Karnataka and the Gulf, a corridor of particular importance to the region’s expatriate community.