Enhanced Middle East Connectivity
A notable expansion of flight routes from Kozhikode International Airport (Karipur) is poised to dramatically improve international travel opportunities
for residents, particularly those working in the Middle East. Air India Express is reactivating five previously halted services, which were essential links for many. These reinstated flights include crucial routes to Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, and Salalah. The service to Kuwait is scheduled to commence on March 1st, with the other destinations following shortly after on March 3rd. This strategic move is expected to make travel more convenient and potentially reduce the financial burden for numerous individuals who rely on these connections for work and family visits.
New Jeddah Route Unveiled
In addition to the restored services, a significant new international route is being introduced from Karipur, directly addressing the needs of the expatriate community. Akasa Air will commence operations to Jeddah, a move anticipated to bring substantial relief and benefit to expatriate Malayalis. This new service, launching on March 13th, is particularly welcome news for residents of the Malabar region and those planning Umrah pilgrimages. The introduction of this flight is expected to facilitate travel at more moderate fare prices, making the journey more accessible and economical for a wider segment of the population. The flight's schedule is designed for convenience, with departures and arrivals optimized for passenger ease.
Flight Details and Future Outlook
The new Akasa Air service to Jeddah will operate on a daily basis, utilizing a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft configured with 186 economy seats. The inbound flight from Jeddah will arrive at Karipur at 5:30 PM Indian time, departing Jeddah at 9:10 AM Saudi time. The return journey from Karipur is slated for departure at 6:55 PM, reaching Jeddah by 10:50 PM. Officials from Akasa Air have indicated that this is just the beginning, with plans for further international service expansions on the horizon. This airline has already established a presence with direct services from Nedumbassery to Jeddah since June 2025, showcasing their commitment to serving the region's travel demands. Furthermore, Akasa Air will be instrumental in operating this year's Hajj services from Karipur, with seven flights to Jeddah planned between May 15th and 18th, and return flights from Madinah scheduled from June 23rd to 26th.
