KC Venugopal urges Centre to halt Air India’s planned flight cuts from Kerala, warning of severe impact on Gulf diaspora. Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express operate a significant number of flights, particularly to Middle Eastern destinations, serving as a vital lifeline for the state’s expatriate community. Venugopal warned that reducing services would severely impact Kerala’s Gulf diaspora, many of whom rely on affordable air travel to return home. According to reports, Air India is preparing to suspend services to major Gulf destinations, including Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, starting this month. “It is Imperative that the Centre restores and maintains these crucial Air India services, ensuring that travel remains affordable and accessible for all Malayalis living and working abroad,” Venugopal added.