GURUGRAM, 17 June 2024: Air India launched a direct daily service between Vijayawada and Mumbai last Saturday, enhancing its network connectivity in Andhra Pradesh.
A special ceremony was hosted at the Vijayawada Airport Domestic Terminal at Gannavaram to mark the occasion of the inaugural flight.
Member of Parliament from Machilipatnam Shri Vallabhaneni Balashowry and Member of Parliament from Vijayawada Shri Kesineni Sivanath attended the inaugural celebrations.
The direct service will enhance the connection between Vijayawada and Mumbai, meeting a long-standing need to improve connectivity for both leisure and business travellers.
Operated by an A320 family of single-aisle aircraft, flight AI598 will take off from Mumbai at 1555 to arrive in Vijayawada at 1745. The return flight AI599 will depart Vijayawada at 1910 and land in Mumbai at 2100.
Passengers can make convenient international connections to destinations in the UK, the North Americas, Dubai, and Singapore, as well as to over 45 domestic destinations.
Bookings for the flights are available across all channels, including Air India’s official website (www.airindia.com), mobile app, and online travel agents.
Vijayawada: A cultural treasure trove
Vijayawada is a city in Andhra Pradesh, 992 km from Mumbai. While it is not the capital (that status goes to Amaravati), Vijayawada is often referred to as the cultural capital due to its blend of historical significance, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty.
Here are some of the city’s attractions
Temples and Spiritual Sites: Vijayawada is known for its many temples, including the Kanaka Durga Temple, one of the most famous temples in South India. The Hazratbal Mosque, a pristine white mosque in the city’s heart, is another architectural marvel.
Historical and Archaeological Sites: The Undavalli Caves, near Vijayawada, are rock-cut caves with intricate sculptures and a four-storeyed rock-cut temple. The Kondapalli Fort, in ruins now, tells stories of a bygone era. The Amaravati Museum houses a collection of artefacts from the ancient city of Amaravati.
Natural Beauty: The Krishna River flows through Vijayawada, offering scenic beauty, especially at sunset from Gandhi Hill. Bhavani Island, an island on the Krishna River, is popular for resorts and recreation.
Culture and Food: Vijayawada offers a vibrant culture, reflected in its festivals, music, and dance. The city is also known for its delicious Andhra cuisine due to its abundance of spices and chillies.
About Air India
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on 15 October 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.
