Kerala airports have seen widespread disruption to flights bound for Gulf countries, leaving passengers stranded and scrambling for alternatives. Officials confirmed that several airlines have cancelled services due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Major cancellations at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut, and Kannur

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL), Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL), and Calicut International Airport authorities issued advisories warning passengers of possible cancellations and delays.

CIAL confirmed that 18 flights from Kochi to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Jeddah, and Muscat were cancelled, along with seven arrivals scheduled for Saturday night and Sunday morning. A spokesperson said international flights to Far East countries and Sri Lanka were operating normally.

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TIAL reported that eight flights scheduled for Saturday night and Sunday morning have been cancelled. Helpdesk counters have been set up outside Thiruvananthapuram airport’s International Terminal (T2) to assist affected passengers. “Staff of the respective airlines will be available at the counters to provide necessary assistance and information,” a spokesperson said.

At Calicut International Airport, Indigo flights to Dubai, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled, alongside Air India Express flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. All flights from Calicut to Qatar are suspended until further notice.

KIAL officials confirmed that Air India Express and IndiGo flights to Doha, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi scheduled for Saturday and Sunday were cancelled, including arrivals from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Sharjah.

Passengers urged to check flight status before travelling

Airports have urged travellers to verify the status of their flights with the respective airlines before reaching the terminal to avoid being stranded.

Some passengers chose to wait at airports hoping services would resume on Sunday, while others returned home after being assured that tickets would be refunded or bookings rescheduled.