Published on
January 9, 2026
Saudia is expanding its global network with the launch of a new route connecting Kozhikode, Kerala, to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance connectivity between the two regions. This new service, starting February 1, 2026, will operate eight weekly flights, meeting the growing demand for both leisure and business travel, as well as supporting religious pilgrims during peak seasons such as Hajj and Umrah. With Kozhikode now added to its list of destinations in India, Saudia continues to strengthen its presence in one of its most important markets, fostering deeper economic and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and India.
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has further strengthened its international network by adding Kozhikode, Kerala, India, as its newest destination. This marks the seventh Indian city to be included in the airline’s rapidly expanding list of international routes. By adding Kozhikode, Saudia not only enhances its connectivity with southern India but also underlines its commitment to expanding its reach in key markets.
From February 1, 2026, Saudia will operate eight weekly flights between Kozhikode International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This new route offers a seamless travel option for passengers traveling between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of India’s most important regions. By connecting Riyadh with Kozhikode, Saudia aims to cater to the increasing demand for both leisure and business travel, with a particular emphasis on pilgrimage routes during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
The addition of Kozhikode marks another step in Saudia’s strategic expansion into the Indian market. With the launch of this route, the airline’s network in India now includes Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kozhikode. This expansion is part of Saudia’s larger plan to enhance its presence in India, one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing markets. The Indian subcontinent has long been a vital source of tourists, business travelers, and religious pilgrims, making it a key market for the airline’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global footprint.
The new route is expected to support a variety of passenger types. Saudia anticipates strong demand from leisure travelers looking to explore both the cultural richness and natural beauty of India, as well as business travelers seeking to connect Riyadh with the commercial hubs of Kozhikode. Additionally, religious pilgrims will benefit from this new route, as Kozhikode is one of the important entry points for those heading to the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah. Saudia’s strategic investment in this route reflects its understanding of the diverse needs of passengers traveling between the two nations.
This new service is an important part of Saudia’s broader expansion strategy. The airline is focused on expanding its international network, not just to more destinations but also by optimizing its modern fleet to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By providing more options for travelers to fly between Saudi Arabia and key international destinations, Saudia positions itself as a global competitor in the aviation industry. The introduction of Kozhikode to Saudia’s network supports the airline’s efforts to improve international connectivity while ensuring that its fleet remains an asset in driving growth in key regions.
The expansion into Kozhikode also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom into a global tourism hub. By increasing air connectivity with emerging markets like India, Saudia is playing a vital role in the country’s broader tourism and aviation ambitions. With air travel becoming an integral part of international business and leisure, Saudia’s new route to Kozhikode underscores its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism industry, as well as its aim to enhance the flow of international visitors into the country.
Currently, Saudia is coordinating with airport authorities in Kozhikode to finalize all operational details ahead of the February 2026 launch. This includes coordinating ground services, ensuring flight schedules are aligned with passenger demand, and establishing the necessary infrastructure for smooth operations once flights begin. Saudia has expressed its intention to offer seamless travel experiences to its passengers, which includes everything from check-in procedures to in-flight services, all designed to reflect the airline’s commitment to quality and efficiency.
Saudia’s global network now spans more than 100 destinations across four continents, a testament to the airline’s continued efforts to grow its operations. With a fleet that includes more than 550 aircraft, Saudia operates daily domestic and international flights, catering to both tourism and business travelers, as well as religious pilgrims. The airline’s continued expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for air travel, especially in regions where the tourism, business, and religious markets are expanding rapidly.
The new Kozhikode route is not only an important addition to Saudia’s India network but also a crucial piece in its ongoing strategy to grow its international operations. Saudia’s commitment to increasing its global footprint while providing excellent customer service positions it well in a competitive international aviation market. With the launch of services between Kozhikode and Riyadh, Saudia takes another step forward in solidifying its place as a leading airline in the Middle East and beyond.
Saudia is expanding its global network with the launch of a new Kozhikode to Riyadh route, enhancing connectivity to meet rising travel demand for leisure, business, and pilgrimage purposes. This new service, starting February 1, 2026, strengthens Saudia’s presence in India, one of its fastest-growing markets.
As the airline continues to expand, it will no doubt look to further enhance its global network, focusing on emerging markets that are vital to the growth of both business and tourism. Kozhikode’s addition is just one part of Saudia’s ongoing effort to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape. As the airline continues to invest in its fleet, operational excellence, and customer experience, passengers can look forward to more opportunities for seamless travel between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and key global destinations.
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