Air India Express expands Gulf routes from Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram will gain enhanced connectivity to the Gulf region with Air India Express introducing new direct flight services to Riyadh and Bahrain beginning October 27, 2026.

The airline will operate three weekly flights to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, two weekly services to Bahrain will commence on Thursdays and Saturdays, providing Kerala residents and business travelers with improved access to key Gulf destinations.

The new routes represent a significant expansion of Air India Express's network from Kerala's primary airport and underscore growing demand for direct connectivity between South India and the Arabian Peninsula. The move is expected to facilitate easier travel for workers, business professionals, and tourists while strengthening commercial ties between the region and the Gulf.

These additions to Air India Express's schedule reflect broader trends in Indian aviation, with carriers increasingly targeting underserved routes connecting tier-two cities to international destinations. The expanded Gulf connectivity from Thiruvananthapuram is likely to benefit the state's significant expatriate community and emerging business sectors seeking direct access to Middle Eastern markets.