Technology · India Bureau
Air India Express launches direct flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Riyadh, Bahrain
Air India Express will begin direct services connecting Thiruvananthapuram with Riyadh and Bahrain from October 27, 2026, expanding the Kerala airport's Gulf connectivity. Bookings for both routes are now open.
LSN India ·
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will add two new direct Air India Express routes to its growing network of Gulf connections, the airport authorities announced Saturday. The carrier will commence operations to Riyadh and Bahrain starting October 27, 2026, with advance bookings already underway.
The Riyadh service addresses significant pent-up demand for direct air connectivity between Thiruvananthapuram and Saudi Arabia's capital, providing a more convenient travel option for passengers between Kerala and the kingdom. The route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, complementing the existing daily Air India Express flights to Dammam.
The Bahrain service will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays, further bolstering air links to the Gulf state. This addition comes alongside existing daily Gulf Air services from Thiruvananthapuram, reinforcing the airport's position as a key hub for regional connectivity.
The new routes represent a continuation of expansion efforts at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which currently maintains connections to over 25 destinations. The Gulf region remains a significant market for air travel from Kerala, driven by the substantial expatriate population and business linkages between the state and the Arabian Peninsula.