Airlines are increasing services at Kozhikode International Airport, Karipur, raising fresh hopes for improved international connectivity. Air India Express will resume five services that had been suspended. Akasa Air will also begin a new service to Saudi Arabia.

Air India will resume services to Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh and Salalah. The Kuwait service will begin on March 1, while the remaining services will start on March 3.

Akasa Air will launch the Jeddah service, bringing major relief to expatriate Malayalis. The service will begin on March 13. This will enable expatriates from Malabar and Umrah pilgrims to travel at moderate fares.

The flight departing Jeddah at 9.10 am Saudi time will land at Karipur at 5.30 pm Indian time. The return flight will depart Karipur at 6.55 pm and reach Jeddah at 10.50 pm.

A Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft with 186 economy seats will be used. Services will operate daily. Akasa Air officials said more international services will begin soon.

Since June 2025, Akasa Air has operated direct services from Nedumbassery to Jeddah. This year’s Hajj service from Karipur will be operated by Akasa Air. Seven flights will operate Hajj services to Jeddah from May 15 to 18. The return journey will be from Madinah between June 23 and 26.