Saudia Announces New Direct Flights from Kozhikode to Riyadh

Flights to Begin February 1, 2026

Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has added Kozhikode, Kerala, India, to its international network. This marks Saudia’s seventh destination in India, as the airline continues to expand across key markets and enhance global connectivity.

The new route will operate eight weekly flights between Kozhikode International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, starting February 1, 2026.

Strengthening Saudi-India Connectivity

With Kozhikode joining its India network, Saudia now serves Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kozhikode. The move aims to boost connectivity between Saudi Arabia and India, one of the airline’s fastest-growing markets.

The route is expected to cater to:

• Leisure travellers

• Business passengers

• Religious pilgrims, particularly during Hajj and Umrah seasons

Part of Saudia’s Global Expansion Strategy

The airline said the new service is part of its international growth strategy, designed to:

• Expand into new global destinations

• Optimise the use of its modern fleet

• Strengthen global competitiveness

Saudia is coordinating closely with airport authorities in Kozhikode to ensure smooth operational arrangements ahead of the launch.

Saudia’s Expanding Global Network

Currently, Saudia’s international network spans over 100 destinations across four continents, serving tourism, business, and religious travel markets. The airline operates more than 550 domestic and international flights daily, reflecting its commitment to global connectivity and international growth.

Key Takeaways

• New Kozhikode-Riyadh route starts February 2026

• Seven destinations in India now served by Saudia

• Aims to support tourism, business travel, and religious pilgrimages

• Strengthens Saudi Arabia-India connectivity

• Aligns with Saudia’s global expansion and fleet optimization strategy