AI flight to Mysuru from B'luru to start shortly: Deshpande

Air India, the country's national air carrier, will start flying to Mysuru from Bengaluru shortly, Karnataka Tourism Minister R V Deshpande today said.

"I am happy to announce that very shortly Air India will start flying to Mysuru (from Bengaluru). The initiative has been taken by the tourism department," he told reporters in a joint press conference organised by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the state government.
Deshpande said the government is working towards expanding various airports at Kalaburgi, Shimoga and Hubbali.

"Airport expansion of Hubbali is on. We are looking at Kalburgi, Shimoga airports to come up quickly. Connectivity is very important and our government is working in this direction," he said.
Deshpande said Karnataka will host the 2015 edition of PATA travel mart here from September 6 to 8 and the PATA board meeting will be held from Sept 4 to 6.

The Minister also said the government has signed an agreement with PATA on the host cities roles and responsibilities.

"This event will give global visibility and physical showcasing of various tourist destinations in the state," he said.

The state witnessed arrival of about 5.81 lakh tourists, he said, adding that the centre's e-Visa facility to various countries is expected to increase footfall of foreign tourist arrivals.