After 68 years, Air India flight connecting Madurai and Chennai to stop operations from October 25
Air India Express is set to discontinue its long-standing flight service between Chennai and Madurai on October 25, citing lack of commercial viability. Local travel agents and operators have criticized the move, arguing that the route remains popular and that the closure grants a monopoly to Indigo.
Why it matters
The reduction in airline competition on regional routes can lead to higher prices and reduced accessibility for local travelers.
The Chennai- Madurai- Chennai sector flight operated by Air India (AI) Express might be stopped from October 25, reliable sources in the airline industry said on Friday (September 4, 2026).
The flight, which was being operated for 68 long years on the route by both Indian Airlines and Air India, was not only popular among frequent flight users, but also traveller-friendly as the air fare was relatively affordable, operators told The Hindu .
With the closure of the sector by AI Express, the route will become monopoly for Indigo, which operates over five flights daily between the two cities.
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