Tamil NaduSaturday, 5 September 2026·The Hindu - National
Air India Express to stop Chennai–Madurai sector from 25 October 2026 after 68 years
Air India Express is set to stop the Chennai–Madurai–Chennai service from 25 October 2026, ending a 68-year run on the route.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, Air India Express was reported to be stopping the Chennai–Madurai–Chennai sector from 25 October 2026, ending a 68-year operation on this route by Indian Airlines and Air India.
Key specifics
- Route: Chennai–Madurai–Chennai sector, with the closure reported on 4 September 2026.
- Air India Express had operated the route for 68 years through Indian Airlines and Air India.
- IndiGo operates over 5 flights daily between Chennai and Madurai, according to the report.
- On Friday, 159 passengers travelled Chennai to Madurai and about 70 passengers travelled Madurai to Chennai on AI Express.
- The reported departure timings were 10.15 a.m. from Chennai and 12 noon from Madurai.
Exam lens
TNPSC current affairs question type: transport and Tamil Nadu connectivity, route closure, airline monopoly, passenger numbers, and date-based recall; remember 25 October 2026, 68 years, 159 passengers, and IndiGo’s 5+ daily flights.