Karipur: Calicut International Airport (Karipur) is set to enhance its Gulf operations with the launch of new international services connecting Kozhikode to Salalah, Jeddah and Riyadh. The regional expansion includes new flight schedules introduced by Oman's low-cost carrier SalamAir and Indian budget carrier Akasa Air.

Starting October 31, SalamAir will introduce a weekly Saturday service linking Jeddah, Salalah and Karipur. Under the schedule, the flight will depart from Jeddah at 12.05 pm, arriving in Salalah at 4.25 pm. It will then depart Salalah at 6.30 pm and touch down at Karipur at 12.30 am. Details regarding the return departure schedule from Karipur to Salalah are yet to be announced.

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Adding to the sector's growth, Akasa Air has announced the launch of its new Kozhikode–Riyadh service, commencing on October 25. The Riyadh route will operate as a rotation service integrated with the airline's Bengaluru flight.

In addition to the new routes, IndiGo is upgrading its Kozhikode–Jeddah sector. Effective October 1, the airline will replace its current Airbus A320 aircraft on the route with a larger Airbus A321neo. While the current A320 configuration accommodates between 180 and 186 passengers, the higher-capacity A321neo will seat between 220 and 232 passengers, considerably boosting seat capacity for regional travellers and Umrah pilgrims.