MALAPPURAM: The Kozhikode-Thiruvananthapuram operations of Air India from the Karipur Airport will be launched only on September 1, contrary to the earlier announcement that the service starts from Tuesday. According to Air India sources, the launch of the service has been postponed owing to operational issues which will be cleared in two days.However, the passengers who have already booked for Tuesday’s flight will be provided accommodated in other ways, said an Air India official on Monday.The service, which is being resumed after a gap of two years from the Kozhikode airport, however, failed to attract many takers in its first flight. Only 28 passengers have booked their seats so far.Air India is expected to operate a 40-seater aircraft through Kozhikode-Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi-Agati route.According to Air India sources, the flight will take off from Kozhikode at 6.30 am and will reach Thiruvananthapuram domestic terminal at 7.30 am.Certain passenger associations have opined that the lukewarm response to the service is mainly due to inconvenient timings. Authorities are mulling over a changed schedule for the service with the intention of attracting more passengers.According to Air India sources, the journey from Kozhikode to Thiruvananthapuram will cost `2,005 presently. But the rate is likely to be changed after mid-September. The service will be a relief for many, including patients going to Thiruvananthapuram for medical treatment as well as politicians, especially considering the dilapidated condition of the roads, said an Air India official.
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