India's biggest budget airline IndiGo has announced that it would begin daily direct flights between Chennai and Jaffna next month, as it praised the Northern city’s “vibrant Tamil heritage”.
The move will significantly increase connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam, with a flight time of just 75 minutes between the two cities. Jaffna will be the second destination in Sri Lanka after Colombo for IndiGo, the airline said in a statement.
“The demand for travel between Chennai and Jaffna is evident, with over 21,000 passengers flying the route in just nine months last year,” it added.
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.”
The latest announcement comes as part of increasing moves from India to expand connectivity to Sri Lanka, and the Tamil North-East in particular. Earlier this year, the Indian government was keen on expediting a ferry between the two nations, however, it hit a snag that delayed the commencement of the service.
The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santhosh Jha previously detailed how his government was “taking the first steps” to construct a land corridor between the two regions, calling it a “game-changing initiative”.
“Connectivity undoubtedly is the central pillar of our emerging partnership,” said Jha. “When I speak of connectivity, I mean all its dimensions – air, maritime, trade, digital, energy or people-to-people connectivity. Daily flights between Jaffna and Chennai and the launch of ferry services between India and Northern Sri Lanka are some of the latest steps in this direction.”
“We will continue to add to the existing multiple nodes of air and maritime connectivity,” he continued.
