.jpg)
India’s leading low-cost airline, IndiGo, launched its newest international route from Chennai to Jaffna this week, becoming the second Indian airline to operate the route.
The new route is a daily non-stop flight lasting 75 minutes, and is the 34th international destination for IndiGo. This route holds significant potential to further strengthen ties between the Eelam Tamil and Indian Tamil communities.
The inaugural flight landed in Jaffna at 3.05 p.m on Sunday with 52 passengers and departed with 75 passengers. A host of officials were present to welcome the flight as it landed.
Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, "We are pleased to announce Jaffna as our new destination in Sri Lanka, which will serve as a catalyst in enhancing trade & tourism between our two countries […] This 75-minute flight would significantly reduce travel time, making Jaffna, Sri Lanka even more accessible.”
.jpg)
Additionally, the new route simplifies travel for the Eelam Tamil diaspora by offering more choices for direct entry into Jaffna, bypassing Colombo, and the need for lengthy cross-country journeys. IndiGo is operating two daily flights on this route.
This service competes with existing options, including Air India's subsidiary Alliance Air, and a ferry service. The Alliance Air service has been operating since October 2019, and currently operates a daily flight. The ferry service ‘Sivagangai’, operated by IndSri Ferry Services, resumed as of August 16, 2024, with a daily return ferry. As demand increases this could result in an increased frequency, reduced fares, and new routes, further globalising Jaffna.
“The demand for travel between Chennai and Jaffna is evident, with over 21,000 passengers flying the route in just nine months last year,” the airline said in a statement last month.
The airline went on to praise Jaffna’s “vibrant Tamil heritage” which it said was “reflected in its traditions, festivals, and historical landmarks, showcasing the resilience and diversity of its people”.
“Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the Jaffna Fort, which serves as an architectural testament to the region's colonial past, and the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a revered Hindu temple that holds both religious and cultural importance. The community's resilience, combined with its cultural treasures and culinary delights, makes Jaffna a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic and enriching experience.”
