Emirates has stopped operations to Kozhikode’s Calicut International Airport, and three other airlines (Air India, Saudia and Etihad Airways) will relocate services to Kochi (also known as Cochin) from May.
The moves mean 17 services to Kozhikode will cease.
Cochin International Airport has assured airlines of being able to accommodate additional flights, including seasonal Haj pilgrims from Kozhikode. Emirates already flies daily from here.
Major airlines have been dropping services to Kozhikode due to the length of time it is taking for the airport’s runway to be re-carpeted. The work may take about 18 months to complete.
However, Air India Express, a budget airline operated by Indian national carrier Air India, has announced it will introduce more flights between Kozhikode and Gulf destinations.
“Air India Express will give more focus to Kozhikode and start more services from there to Middle East destinations if major airlines pull out from there,” said Aby George, Dy Chief of Customer Relation, Air India Express.
Neha Gupta
