IndiGo launches direct Madurai–Abu Dhabi flight from June 13

Madurai: IndiGo Airlines will launch its first direct flight from Madurai to Abu Dhabi on June 13, enhancing the city's international connectivity. The non-stop service will operate thrice a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.Flight 6E1513 will depart Madurai at 2:35 pm and reach Abu Dhabi at 5:20 pm. The return flight, 6E1514, will leave Abu Dhabi at 7:20 am and arrive in Madurai at 1:50 pm.The move was welcomed by trade and industry bodies. Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president N Jegatheesan said the new route would benefit the business community, overseas workers, and leisure travellers in southern Tamil Nadu.IndiGo officials said about 50 passengers currently travel daily from Madurai to Chennai to catch connecting flights to Abu Dhabi. The direct service aims to tap into this demand. Initial one-way fares are priced around ₹12,000.The airline confirmed that the Abu Dhabi route is a permanent addition, targeting both labour and leisure segments. Bookings are open.Mahendra Varman of the Madurai Infrastructure and Development Group called it a positive step but urged the launch of direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to meet existing demand. The service follows Madurai airport's transition to 24x7 operations, boosting its capacity for international flights.