Bengaluru, 06 August (H.S.): The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will launch a premium inter-State Flybus service connecting Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru with Kozhikode in Kerala from August 15, strengthening direct airport connectivity between Karnataka and north Kerala.
The overnight service is expected to benefit air passengers from Kozhikode and Wayanad districts as well as travellers from Mysuru and Kodagu by providing a direct link to Bengaluru airport without the need for multiple transfers.
According to KSRTC, the Flybus will depart from Bengaluru airport at 10.45 p.m. daily and reach Kozhikode at 7.15 a.m. the following day. In the return direction, the bus will leave Kozhikode at 7.30 p.m. and arrive at KIA at 4.15 a.m.
The service will operate via Yelahanka, Hebbal, Nayandahalli Metro Station, Mysuru, Hunsur, Gonikoppa, Ponnampet, Kutta, Mananthavadi and Kalpetta.
The fare between Bengaluru airport and Kozhikode has been fixed at Rs 1,500 per passenger. The fares from the airport to Mysuru, Gonikoppa, Mananthavadi and Kalpetta will be Rs 960, Rs 1,200, Rs 1,350 and Rs 1,400, respectively.
Flybus services are operated using premium Volvo multi-axle coaches and are designed primarily for airport passengers. Travellers are also provided complimentary snack kits containing water, beverages and local snacks.
KSRTC officials expect the new route to attract passengers from Kerala, Kodagu and Mysuru seeking a comfortable and reliable direct connection to Bengaluru airport.
KSRTC introduced its first Flybus service between Bengaluru airport and Mysuru in 2013. The service subsequently expanded to other destinations, including Madikeri, Kundapur and Davangere.
In 2018, the corporation ventured into inter-State Flybus operations by introducing services to Salem in Tamil Nadu and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Both routes were later discontinued.
The Kozhikode service will mark KSRTC's return to the inter-State airport bus segment after a gap of several years.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
