London: Air India’s decision to suspend its direct flight service from London Gatwick to Kochi from March 30, 2025, has left the UK Malayali community in shock. Currently operating three weekly flights on this popular route, the airline has not provided a clear explanation for the abrupt cancellation, leading to widespread disappointment and frustration.
A Sudden and Unexpected Decision
Initially introduced under the Vande Bharat Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic, the London-Kochi route quickly became one of Air India’s most successful and profitable international services. Over time, its frequency was increased to three flights per week due to high demand. Despite its popularity, Air India has now unexpectedly announced its discontinuation, leaving passengers scrambling for alternative travel options.
Tickets for this route will no longer be available for booking after March 30. However, the airline has assured affected passengers that they will either be accommodated on alternative flights or receive a full refund if they opt not to travel on a different route. The decision has sparked widespread discontent among UK-based Malayalis, many of whom rely on this direct connection to visit family in Kerala.
Backlash from the UK Malayali Community
The decision has prompted strong reactions, with various Malayali organizations, travel agencies, and community leaders mobilizing efforts to restore the service. Online petitions have been launched, with appeals being made to Members of Parliament, the British Prime Minister, and Kerala’s Chief Minister. Social media discussions have also erupted, criticizing Air India’s move.
In an attempt to understand the rationale behind the decision, UK-based travel agents met with Air India’s management at Gatwick Airport. The airline cited an “aircraft shortage” as the reason for the discontinuation. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly as Air India has simultaneously increased its services to Amritsar from three to four flights per week.
Perceived Bias Against Kerala
Currently, Air India operates direct flights from London Gatwick to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi. All these routes fall under the VRF category (Visiting Friends, Relatives, and Leisure Travelers) and have consistently generated strong revenue. Despite this, the airline has opted to discontinue Kochi’s direct service while retaining Goa’s connection—albeit with one fewer weekly flight—and expanding Amritsar’s services.
This move has been perceived as a bias against Kerala, with many questioning why a high-demand route like London-Kochi has been discontinued when lesser-performing routes, such as daily flights to Bengaluru, continue to operate.
Travel Agents Demand Answers
During discussions with Air India officials, travel agents expressed their frustration over the abrupt cancellation. They provided data proving the high occupancy rates of the London-Kochi flights, arguing that the decision was financially unjustifiable. The airline’s representatives responded that the decision was made in India and suggested that concerns be raised with the Indian government.
Many passengers, particularly elderly Malayalis who rely on the direct service for convenient travel, feel abandoned. Air India’s London-Kochi flights had become a preferred choice despite concerns over service quality, including damaged seat monitors and poor in-flight facilities. The direct route significantly reduced travel time, making it an essential service for the UK Malayali diaspora.
Previous Attempts to End the Route
This is not the first time Air India has attempted to discontinue this service. A similar move was proposed in 2023 but was halted following intervention from Malayali organizations, MPs, and former minister V. Muraleedharan. With history repeating itself, another round of high-level lobbying is now underway to save the route.
Online Petitions Gain Momentum
The Union of United Kingdom Malayalee Associations (UUKMA) has initiated an online petition urging authorities to intervene. More than 3,000 signatures have already been collected, with UUKMA president Dr. Biju Peringathara leading the campaign. The association aims to escalate the matter to the Indian government and seek urgent reconsideration of the decision.
As the deadline approaches, Malayali organizations and travel agencies continue to push for a reversal of Air India’s move. Whether the airline will reconsider remains uncertain, but for the UK Malayali community, the fight to save the London-Kochi route is far from over.
