The flights will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, offering a crucial travel link for passengers, particularly expatriates and workers commuting between the Gulf region and coastal Karnataka.

According to the approved schedule, flight J9 3417 will depart Kuwait at 8.40 am local time and arrive in Mangaluru at 4.10 pm IST. On the return leg, flight J9 3418 will leave Mangaluru at 4.55 pm IST and reach Kuwait at 7.40 pm local time.

The journey includes a transit through Dammam, where passengers will undergo mandatory border and regulatory checks. The airline will ferry passengers from Kuwait to the Saudi border, following which they will proceed directly to Dammam airport for onward boarding. A similar procedure will be followed for the return journey, including a stop at the Kuwait border for compliance checks.

While the routing may appear unconventional compared to standard direct international flights, the arrangement ensures adherence to regulatory protocols while maintaining connectivity between the two regions.

The introduction of these charter flights is expected to significantly benefit travellers from Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts, many of whom work in Gulf countries. Mangaluru has long been a key departure and arrival point for such passengers, and the new service is likely to ease travel demand, especially during peak seasons.

Industry observers note that charter flights often serve as a precursor to regular scheduled services. If demand remains strong and operational challenges are minimal, the airline may consider expanding its presence in the region.

Sources indicate that Jazeera Airways is exploring the possibility of increasing the frequency of these flights from two to four per week. However, this expansion will depend on further approvals from relevant aviation authorities in India, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

The move reflects growing passenger demand on this sector and the airline's intent to strengthen its foothold in the India-Gulf corridor. Increased frequency would provide greater flexibility for travellers and could also help stabilise ticket prices over time.

This is not the first time Jazeera Airways has operated charter services to Mangaluru. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the airline conducted special evacuation and repatriation flights to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers.

Those operations had received a positive response, establishing the airline as a reliable option for travellers on this route. The current initiative builds on that experience, leveraging established logistical frameworks and passenger familiarity.

The DGCA's approval underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in international charter operations. Such flights typically require coordination between multiple jurisdictions, especially when involving transit points like Dammam.

Authorities ensure compliance with safety, immigration, and security protocols, particularly when passengers are routed through intermediate locations. The structured process involving border checks is part of these regulatory requirements.

The launch of bi-weekly charter flights between Kuwait and Mangaluru via Dammam marks an important step in enhancing connectivity for travellers between India and the Gulf region. With the potential for increased frequency and a proven track record from past operations, Jazeera Airways appears poised to play a key role in meeting growing demand on this route.

If successful, the initiative could pave the way for more regularised services, benefiting thousands of passengers who rely on efficient and reliable air travel between these regions.