Jet Airways will be the first private airline to fly international from Mangalore airport as government has approved Jet Airways' proposal of direct flight between Mangalore and Dubai.

The official announcement from Jet Airways will follow soon, while dates and flight schedule will be confirmed by the authorities in Dubai and Mangalore, sources told daijiworld.

Currently only Air India Express has the permission to fly internationally from Mangalore International Airport.

According to sources, Jet Airways is expected to start operating in the month of December itself, if remaining formalities and timings are finalized.

J P Hegde, member of parliament from Udupi - Chikmaglur told that introduction of international flight to Saudi Arabia is also on the cards.