Air India Express is planning to cut a number of flights from airports in Kerala to the Gulf sector under its winter schedule starting October 2025.

• Some specific impacts:

  • Thiruvananthapuram → Dubai & Abu Dhabi flights are being cancelled.

  • Services to Muscat, Doha, Sharjah are also reduced.

  • Other Kerala airports (Kozhikode, Kannur, Kochi) will also see fewer flights to Gulf destinations. 

• Possible consequences:

  • Higher fares due to reduced competition and fewer flights.

  • Inconvenience for Gulf expatriate community who rely on direct and affordable connectivity.

• Political / community reaction:

  • MP M.K. Raghavan has appealed for Central Government’s action.

  • VD Satheesan (Kerala Opposition Leader) has called the cuts “unfair to Malayali diaspora” and urged intervention