Etihad Airways has started its three flights-a-week service from Abu Dhabi to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in the south Indian state of Kerala.

The flights form part of a major expansion in the Indian market which includes Etihad’s New Delhi service going daily from today (May 30) and the launch of flights to Kochi (Cochin) next week.

The new services boost Etihad’s India operations from 10 to 21 flights a week, which will increase to 28 flights a week in October when the Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram flights go daily from Abu Dhabi.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “The launch of the Thiruvananthapuram service is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for Etihad Airways in India. There is huge demand for flights to Kerala from our customers across the world, including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard our aircraft.”

The special inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi was greeted by a Kerala ministerial delegation, with passengers and Etihad officials receiving gifts of roses and jasmine.

Several events to celebrate the new flights will also take place including a VIP reception with Kerala’s chief minister V S Achuthanandan and a corporate and trade dinner in a resort in Kovalam.

Launch prices for Etihad’s new Thiruvananthapuram flights start from Dh1260 for return coral zone (economy class), AED 2460 for pearl zone (business class) and Dh3950 diamond zone (first class). - TradeArabia News Service