Saudia Airlines Expected to Relaunch Flights to Kozhikode Airport

For the third time, there is a possibility that Saudia Airlines can resume flights to Calicut Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ). The flag carrier of Saudi Arabia has currently halted most of its Indian network for unknown reasons. The airline which used to operate flights from six Indian cities is currently operating from only three cities. Hajj operations may be the major factor behind this temporary suspension, which will be back on the network by September. Now, let us talk about our topic i.e. Saudia Airlines looking to launch Kozhikode flights.

Saudia Airlines Coming Back to Kozhikode

Kozhikode is well-inked in the history of Saudia’s Indian operations. In 2009, the airline launched non-stop flights from Saudi Arabia to Calicut. After six years, it halted these operations in 2015. Later, after a gap of 3 years, it relaunched the route. Then the Air India Express crash occurred in 2020. After this crash, widebody operations were banned at Kozhikode Airport since the airport is equipped with a tabletop runway. In 2022, it halted flights on this route for the second time. Flights have not been operational since then.

Now, it is looking to relaunch flights to Kozhikode. According to a famous Malayalam local newspaper Mathrubhumi English, the airline is expected to relaunch flights to Kozhikode in October month. From October 27 i.e. the start of the winter Schedule, it will connect Jeddah and Riyadh to Kozhikode.

Flights to Jeddah will be operated four times a week, while Riyadh flights will be operational thrice weekly. The source has also specified the airline’s expansion plane. By the end of November, it will be adding four more weekly flights to Kozhikode, taking the total frequency to 11 times a week.

Anticipated Competition

Both Jeddah and Riyadh are top Saudi Arabian cities and have huge traffic. As a result of this, many airlines are already operating on these routes. If Saudia launches flights to Jeddah and Riyadh, it will face stiff competition from Indian carriers.

On the Kozhikode to Riyadh route, Air India Express is already operating daily. Flynas, another Saudi-based carrier operates four times a week between both cities.

On the Kozhikode to Jeddah route, three airlines are already operational. This includes IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express, which operate 7X, 7X, and 21X weekly flights respectively. Overall, the low-cost arm of Air India has a strong presence in this market, which will prove to be a stiff competitor for Saudia.

What Product Will Saudia Deploy at Kozhikode?

Widebody aircraft are banned at Kozhikode Airport. In 2020, an Air India Express Boeing 737 crashed during landing at the tabletop runway of Kozhikode Airport, leading to significant loss of lives. After this, widebody operations were halted at the airport.

However, according to the media report, Saudia will return to Kozhikode with a Code E category aircraft. Aircraft such as B777, B787, and A330 fall under this category. Saudia operates all three aircraft types. However, the report adds that the airline will put 36 Business class and 298 Economy class seats on sale. It is difficult to assess the product to be deployed by Saudia, just by looking at seat numbers.

Since widebody operations are banned at Kozhikode, the airline will likely return with a Narrowbody aircraft. It operates a fleet of 37 Airbus A320 and 22 A321 aircraft. If the airline returns with a widebody aircraft (which would be surprising), then it will open the door for other airlines like Emirates and Oman Air to deploy their larger jets to the airport. Kozhikode has an immense traffic potential between South India and Middle East.

Conclusion

Saudia Airlines, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia is looking to launch non-stop flights from Kozhikode to Jeddah and Riyadh. The airline is expected to launch these services in October month. If implemented, this will be the third time that it will be relaunching flights to Kozhikode. Saudia already operates to six Indian cities: Bengaluru, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Mumbai.

What do you think about the Kozhikode launch of Saudia Airlines? Discuss in the comment section.