‘Akasha Ambari’ receives overwhelming response

Photo Courtesy: Star of Mysore

Air India’s Alliance Air has initiated a special flight services “Akasha Ambari” between Bengaluru and Mysuru  during Dasara holidays. S R Mahesh, Tourism Minister, has taken part in the maiden flight from Mysuru to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

The flight service has been envisaged to facilitate travel of national and international tourists for the Dasara festivities. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the State Tourism Department are collaborating with Air India for this initiative.

As per Tourism Department, the lowest fare is Rs. 999 (plus taxes). Depending on demand, flight tickets are also available at different price slabs, ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,100. However the passengers only have to pay Rs. 999 plus taxes and the Tourism Department will pay the difference amount to Alliance Air, stated the tourism minister.

The aircraft is a 72-seater ATR and operated every day (except Tuesdays) from Bengaluru to Mysuru and from Mysuru to Bengaluru. The flight will take off from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), Bengaluru and land at Mysuru Airport in Mandakalli. The flight will leave Bengaluru at 2.10 pm and reach Mysuru Airport by 3 pm. The return flight will leave Mysuru Airport at 3.30 pm and land in Bengaluru at 4.10 pm.

Tourism Department Deputy Director, H.P. Janardhan said that the response has been good from day one. Passengers can book tickets online and offline. Those looking for connecting flights can utilize the service on Bengaluru-Mysuru-Bengaluru route.

The flight services were intended for 10 days during the Dasara holidays; however the tourism minister stated that if the demand continues, the service will also be continued. It is reported that around 1000 persons used the service so far.