Mihin Lanka targets South Indian cities

Friday, Jun 15, 2007

Dubai: A new Sri Lankan airline said it would offer the cheapest fares from Dubai to South Indian cities, if it wins Indian approval this summer.

Mihin Lanka, which owns just two aircraft, an Airbus A320 and A321, began daily flights to Dubai in April from the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.

The budget carrier, which distinguishes itself from other no-frills airlines by offering an in-flight meal, said it is awaiting approval from the Indian government to fly to two cities in Tiruvanandapuram and Trichi.

Once approved, Mihin will fly from Dubai to Kerala via Colombo, which could provide a boon for the hundreds of thousands of Keralites working in the UAE.

"Once we start, we'll have to provide cheaper fare than the other airlines which provide direct service, such as Air India Express," said a spokesperson in Dubai.

Male route

Mihin is owned by the Sri Lankan government, and competes with Sri Lankan Airlines, which is also government owned with a minority stake held by Emirates airline. Next week, Mihin will add its second route, from Colombo to Male, in the Maldives.

The spokesperson said Mihin has seen healthy growth in its Dubai route, after its first flight carried 25 passengers in May.

Its latest flight carried 141 passengers, a 90 per cent seat load factor.