Air India is set to resume its Kochi-London flight service, following discussions initiated by representatives from the UK and Kerala. This move comes after intense pressure from various organizations and community groups, including the Malayali community in the UK. The announcement from Kochi International Airport Limited initially warned that the service might be discontinued, causing widespread protests.
The cancellation of the Kochi-London direct flight sparked a backlash from political representatives and Malayali associations across the UK, demanding alternative solutions. The UK Malayali community’s push was crucial in prompting talks between Air India and airport officials. Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took action by delegating the issue to authorities at the State and Central levels, aiming to prevent the flight’s termination.
Discussions between Air India and airport authorities in Gurugram eventually led to a resolution. Despite early concerns, officials confirmed that the flight service would resume after necessary approvals and technical evaluations. Air India also expressed the possibility of increasing flight frequencies in the future, depending on aircraft availability.
The cancellation of the London-Kochi flight had initially been linked to maintenance issues with Air India's Boeing Dreamliner aircraft. However, Air India officials later clarified that the suspension was a temporary measure, with a plan to relaunch the service in the coming months.
The direct service between Kochi and London, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Vande Bharat Mission, quickly gained popularity among travelers. What started as a weekly service eventually expanded to two and then three flights per week, catering to the needs of students, professionals, and families.
The suspension of the service led to calls for urgent intervention from the central government. Several prominent political leaders, including opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi and Kerala MPs such as K. S. Venugopal, K. Sudhakaran, and other local representatives, demanded that the flight be reinstated. The service was crucial for the large Malayali community, and its cessation created significant inconvenience.
Organizations like the UK Malayali Association, the UK Kerala Congress, and other local diaspora groups also registered their concerns. Protests ensued, with multiple appeals made to the UK government to prioritize the issue. UK-based MPs, including Joseph Sojan, SM Kureshi, and others, participated in efforts to ensure the service’s revival.
In response to these developments, Air India confirmed that after discussions and technical assessments, the London-Kochi flight service would soon resume. The airline promised to address passenger concerns and offered alternative routes to ensure travel convenience until the direct service is reinstated.
This collective effort by various groups and individuals reflects the strength of the global Malayali community and their influence on both local and international policy decisions, ensuring vital connections between Kerala and the UK remain intact.