Saudia Resumes Kozhikode Operations, Boosting India Footprint

Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, Saudia, has announced an expansion of its Indian network with the addition of Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala, effective February 1, 2026.

The airline will operate four weekly flights connecting Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport with Kozhikode International Airport, restoring a key link for expatriate travellers and religious tourism demand. Saudia previously served the Kozhikode sector before suspending operations in 2021.

Kozhikode becomes the latest addition to Saudia’s growing India presence, which already includes Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. The resumption also reinforces the airline’s focus on strengthening connectivity between Saudi Arabia and India—one of the Kingdom’s most significant international source markets.

Aviation industry observers note that the Kozhikode route is strategically timed to capture strong seasonal demand tied to Umrah travel and sustained passenger flows from Kerala’s Malabar region, which has deep labour and diaspora links with Saudi Arabia.

Summary

Saudia will resume direct flights between Riyadh and Kozhikode starting February 1, 2026, with four weekly services. The move strengthens the carrier’s India network, taking its served city count in India to seven. Kozhikode is expected to generate strong demand from both religious travellers and the large Kerala diaspora in Saudi Arabia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1: When will Saudia start flights to Kozhikode?

Saudia will begin operations on the Riyadh–Kozhikode route from February 1, 2026.

Q2: Is Kozhikode a new destination for Saudia?

No. This is a service resumption. Saudia previously operated flights to Kozhikode before suspending the route in 2021.

Q3: How many flights will Saudia operate on this sector?

The route will launch with four weekly flights.

Q4: How many Indian cities does Saudia serve now?

Including Kozhikode, Saudia serves seven cities in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kozhikode.

Q5: Why is this route important?

Kozhikode serves one of India’s strongest Gulf travel corridors, with consistent passenger demand from Kerala’s diaspora in Saudi Arabia and seasonal peaks linked to Umrah travel.