Air India Express launches daily direct flight service between Mangaluru and Delhi
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): In a move set to enhance air connectivity for travellers in Karnataka, Air India Express has launched a daily direct flight service between Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and Delhi International Airport.
The service aims to provide passengers with greater travel convenience and flexibility.
According to a press release from the spokesperson of MIA, the inaugural flight, IX 1552, departed from Mangaluru at 6.40 am and landed in Delhi at 9.35am on February 1.
Simultaneously, IX 2768, took off from Delhi at 6.40 am and arrived in Mangaluru at 9.35 am.
Passengers on the first flight were welcomed with a water cannon salute, a gesture performed by the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit at Mangaluru International Airport. The maiden flight carried 167 passengers to Delhi, while 144 passengers came to Mangaluru from Delhi.
An official from Mangaluru Airport said, “This new service will not only benefit business and leisure travellers but also enhance transit options for those travelling to other domestic and international destinations. We are committed to strengthening connectivity and supporting the region's growing travel needs.”
With the addition of Air India Express service, there are now two direct flight options between Mangaluru and Delhi daily, complementing an existing evening service operated by IndiGo. The new route is expected to reduce travel time and increase options for passengers traveling between the two cities.
In January, Air India Express also launched two weekend flights connecting Mangaluru to Pune, showcasing its efforts to meet growing regional demand. With the Delhi route now operational, the airline is positioned to further support trade, tourism, and education while fostering economic growth in the region.
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Trump says EU has until July 4 to approve last year's trade deal or it will face higher tariffs
Washington (AP): President Donald Trump has said in a social media post that goods from the European Union would face higher tariff rates if the 27-member bloc fails to approve last year's trade framework by July 4.
The announcement on Thursday appeared to be a deadline extension after the president said last Friday that EU autos would face a higher 25 per cent tariff starting this week. Trump made the updated announcement after what he described as a "great call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Still, the US president was displeased that the European Parliament had yet to finalize the trade arrangement reached last year, which was further complicated in February by the US Supreme Court ruling that Trump lacked the legal authority to declare an economic emergency to impose the initial tariffs used to pressure the EU into talks.
"A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!" Trump posted. "I agreed to give her until our Country's 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels."
It was unclear from the post whether Trump was implying that the tariff rates would jump on all EU goods or the increase would only apply to autos.
His latest statement indicates he might be backing away from his earlier threat on EU autos by giving the European Parliament several more weeks to approve the agreement.
Under the original terms of the framework, the US would charge a 15 per cent tax on most goods imported from the EU.
But since the Supreme Court ruling, the administration has levied a 10 per cent tariff while investigating trade imbalances and national security issues, aiming to put in new tariffs to make up for lost revenues.
