India’s Kannur International Airport (KIAL) is pleased to announce significant improvements to its flight schedule for the upcoming summer season.
These enhancements prioritize enhanced connectivity for travelers, offering a wider range of destinations and increased flight frequencies.
The centerpiece of the summer schedule is the expansion of KIAL’s network to encompass all Gulf countries.
Enhanced Travel to Gulf Region
Passengers can now enjoy direct flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Dammam, Doha, Muscat, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
This comprehensive offering caters to the growing demand for travel to popular Middle Eastern destinations.
Notably, daily departures will be available for Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Muscat, ensuring maximum convenience.
Agreement with Air India Express
Furthermore, KIAL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air India Express, resulting in a substantial boost to international connectivity.
This strategic partnership introduces two new routes – Ras Al Khaimah and Dammam – with three weekly departures each.
Existing routes to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat will also see increased frequencies, with 12, 10, and 7 departures per week, respectively.
This expanded schedule provides passengers with greater flexibility when planning their travel itineraries.
Domestic Operations
On the domestic front, IndiGo is enhancing passenger comfort with the deployment of A320 aircraft on their Chennai route.
Additionally, their daily morning service from Cochin will now extend to Trivandrum, fostering seamless connections between key regional cities.
Bengaluru emerges as the most connected sector from Kannur, boasting a total of three daily departures – two operated by IndiGo and one by Air India Express.
Air India Express further raiese the domestic travel stakes by introducing brand new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its fleet.
Passengers can also look forward to daily flights to Hyderabad and four weekly departures to Mumbai from Kannur.
Both Air India Express and IndiGo offer onward connections to a multitude of domestic destinations, including Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, Goa, and others.
This extensive network extends further to various European destinations, providing passengers with a wider range of travel options.
10% Increase in Capacity for Summer
KIAL anticipates a notable 10% increase in weekly seating capacity for the Summer Schedule 2024 as a result of these enhancements.
This translates to a significant increase in passenger choice and improved overall connectivity.
Summary
Kannur International Airport (KIAL) serves as a vital gateway to Kerala’s North Malabar region, encompassing Kannur district and neighboring areas in Karnataka and Puducherry.
Prior to its inauguration in December 2018, residents of the region faced significant travel challenges, often requiring journeys to distant airports in Kochi or Trivandrum.
KIAL’s arrival has transformed regional connectivity, fostering economic growth, tourism development, and improved access to healthcare and education for the local population.
The airport serves as a key link for the large Malayali diaspora in the Middle East, with direct flights to major Gulf countries. This strengthens cultural ties and facilitates the movement of migrant workers and their families.
Furthermore, KIAL plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in the North Malabar region, renowned for its pristine beaches, rich heritage sites, and distinctive cultural experiences.
By enhancing accessibility, the airport unlocks the region’s tourism potential, attracting domestic and international visitors and contributing to local economic development.
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