March 27, 2007: Kerala’s two big airports will soon see a new airline heading towards them. The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, is all set to launch two new routes from Abu Dhabi to Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, according to a report. Flights from Abu Dhabi to Thiruvananthapuram would begin on May 31 and to Kochi on June 3, it said.

Etihad had been waiting in the wings to tap the Kerala market owing to the fact that UAE and the South Indian state boast of historical ties. This apart, UAE and Kerala are on the verge of being among the world-class business and holiday destinations. The Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram flights will see Etihad double its India destination. The airline already operates services to Mumbai and New Delhi. Etihad would operate the Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi services three and four times-per-week respectively.

It is expected that Etihad’s services to the two Kerala cities will provide an important link for the many thousands of Malayalees living and working in the UAE and across the Middle East. This apart, tourists flying from Europe via Abu Dhabi for holidays in Kerala can also be roped in to fly Etihad.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Air is also planning to increase the frequency on its Abu Dhabi to New Delhi route from three flights-per-week to a daily service by June this year, a report added.