Air India Express has launched a new direct flight service connecting Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) and Trichy (Tiruchirappalli), further strengthening air connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s key spiritual and cultural regions. The service commenced on November 1, 2025, and operates six days a week, making Trivandrum the only city in Kerala currently offering a direct air link to Trichy.
The Trivandrum -Trichy flight (IX 5013) operates on all days except Mondays, while the Trichy – Trivandrum flight (IX 5012) runs on all days except Tuesdays. This schedule has been crafted to offer flexibility and convenience for religious travelers, tourists, business passengers, and families.
🕉️ Linking Two Major Pilgrimage Hubs
The new route is expected to greatly benefit devotees traveling between two of South India’s most revered temple destinations: Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Sri Ranganathar Temple, Srirangam, in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.
These two temples, both dedicated to Lord Vishnu in reclining form, occupy a special place in the Vaishnavite tradition and are counted among India’s most spiritually significant temples. The direct flight now enables pilgrims to conveniently undertake a combined pilgrimage circuit, honoring both Anantha Padmanabha in Kerala and Ranganatha Perumal in Tamil Nadu.
🌟 Gateway to Tamil Nadu’s Sacred Temple Trail
Trichy serves as a vital gateway to some of Tamil Nadu’s most significant spiritual and cultural destinations. This new direct air link from Trivandrum is expected to greatly enhance tourism and pilgrimage travel between the two states.
From the sacred island temple of Srirangam, the cultural grandeur of Thanjavur and its UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswara Temple, and the temple-rich landscapes of Kumbakonam – including the revered Nava Graha circuit – to the spiritual heritage of Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, and Gangai Konda Cholapuram, the region offers profound experiences for devotees and travelers alike. Additionally, this route facilitates seamless extensions to Rameswaram, Madurai, Palani, and Thiruvannamalai, making comprehensive pilgrimage circuits more accessible than ever.
“This new flight connection creates a significant advantage for pilgrims and cultural travelers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu,” said Mr. Pandian Kumaravel, Managing Director of Trichy based, Cholan Tours, one of South India’s largest tour operators. “Trichy has always been the spiritual heartland of Tamil Nadu, and this connectivity will now allow devotees to experience multiple sacred destinations comfortably and efficiently, enriching both regional tourism and cultural exchange.”
🏛️ A Cultural and Tourism Boost
The flight also opens opportunities for cultural tourists, heritage enthusiasts, and travelers exploring regional cuisine and architecture. Nearby Chettinad, known for its magnificent mansions, heritage craftsmanship, and distinctive culinary traditions, becomes more accessible to visitors from Kerala.
Flight Details at a Glance
| Route | Flight Number | Operating Days |
| Trivandrum → Trichy | IX 5013 | Tue–Sun (Not operating on Mondays) |
| Trichy → Trivandrum | IX 5012 | Mon–Sat (Not operating on Tuesdays) |
The launch of the Trivandrum – Trichy route reflects Air India Express’s continued efforts to enhance domestic connectivity, particularly in regions where tourism, pilgrimage travel, and cultural exchange play a significant role. As travel demand continues to grow across South India, the new service is poised to become an important link for both spiritual tourism and cultural mobility, bringing two ancient temple cities closer than ever before.
