Direct Vijayawada–Kochi Flights Requested Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry Federation (AP Chambers) has requested IndiGo and Air India to introduce direct flight services between Vijayawada and Kochi ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
According to AP Chambers, approximately three lakh pilgrims travel from Vijayawada to Sabarimala every year. The proposed direct air connectivity would make travel more convenient for Ayyappa devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana during the November–January pilgrimage season.
AP Chambers President P. Bhaskar Rao said the federation had submitted representations to both airlines, requesting them to consider launching direct flights between the two cities at the earliest.
The organisation highlighted that Kochi serves as an important travel gateway for pilgrims heading to Sabarimala. A direct flight from Vijayawada would help reduce travel difficulties and provide an additional transport option for devotees visiting the hill shrine.
AP Chambers has requested the airlines to introduce services with suitable flight timings and frequency to accommodate the increased passenger demand during the pilgrimage season. It has also suggested examining the possibility of operating the route throughout the year.
Apart from Sabarimala pilgrims, the proposed service is expected to benefit tourists, business travellers and people travelling between Andhra Pradesh and Kerala for medical treatment.
The federation also pointed to increasing travel requirements associated with the development of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's capital. It said improved air connectivity could strengthen business, trade and economic relations between the two states.
AP Chambers has urged IndiGo and Air India to complete their feasibility assessments and operational planning quickly so that direct flight services can begin during the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
However, the proposed Vijayawada–Kochi direct flight service remains a request, and neither airline has announced a launch date.