Akasa Air Debuts Kochi–Jeddah Flights, Connecting Kerala’s Expat and Pilgrimage Travel to Saudi Arabia
In a significant expansion of its international network, Akasa Air has officially launched its first-ever flight service connecting Kochi, India, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, beginning June 29, 2025. This milestone marks the airline’s inaugural international route and underscores its strategic vision to serve the vast Indian diaspora in the Gulf while offering affordable and accessible air travel.
The new Kochi–Jeddah route is a timely addition, addressing the surging demand from Kerala’s expatriate community and religious pilgrims who travel frequently to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The service began with inaugural flights on June 29 and July 6, with regular weekly services ramping up from July 13. Akasa will operate two flights every Sunday, eventually offering four round-trip flights per week, including departures on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
A Lifeline for Kerala’s Gulf-Bound Travelers
Kerala has long been a major source of labor migration to the Middle East, with tens of thousands of Keralites residing and working in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah, as a key gateway to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, also draws large numbers of pilgrims throughout the year for Umrah and Hajj. Akasa’s new service provides a vital link for both business and religious travelers, significantly boosting air connectivity between South India and Saudi Arabia.
By launching flights on this high-demand route, Akasa is not only fulfilling a critical transportation need but also positioning itself as a low-cost alternative in a competitive sector traditionally dominated by larger carriers. This aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to democratize international air travel and serve price-sensitive travelers with dependable service.
Optimized Schedule for Maximum Convenience
Akasa’s Kochi–Jeddah flights will utilize its next-generation Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, featuring a 186-seat all-economy configuration. Known for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, the aircraft supports Akasa’s vision for sustainable and economical air travel.
Flight schedules are designed for maximum passenger convenience. On Saturdays and Mondays, flights will depart Kochi at 6:10 PM and land in Jeddah by 9:55 PM. Return services will depart Jeddah at 6:45 AM the following morning. On Sundays, passengers benefit from two departures—an early morning flight at 3:00 AM arriving in Jeddah by 7:45 AM, and an evening flight at 8:30 PM, with return service at 10:10 AM the next day.
This mix of departure times caters to a diverse passenger base—early flights benefit those heading to Jeddah for business or pilgrimage, while evening options serve those requiring schedule flexibility.
Strategic Growth Across the Gulf
The addition of Jeddah further expands Akasa Air’s footprint in the Middle East, joining its existing international destinations of Doha and Abu Dhabi. Jeddah is a crucial commercial and cultural hub in Saudi Arabia, offering Indian travelers access to business opportunities, religious sites, and family reunions.
Akasa’s expanding Gulf network comes amid growing competition and increasing demand in the India–Middle East travel corridor. According to India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, more than 10 million passengers traveled between India and Gulf countries in 2024 alone. With Akasa now entering this arena, travelers gain a competitively priced and service-focused option.
This route also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism goals, which seek to welcome 30 million pilgrims and religious tourists annually by improving connectivity from key global markets—including India.
Kochi: A Strategic International Gateway
Cochin International Airport (COK), Kerala’s busiest aviation hub, is rapidly evolving into a key international gateway. The state’s rising outbound travel demand, driven by its expat population and religious travel base, makes Kochi an ideal starting point for Akasa’s international journey.
Moreover, Kerala’s Department of Tourism has recently intensified efforts to promote pilgrimage tourism and cultural exchange with the Gulf region. Akasa’s direct route from Kochi to Jeddah complements these initiatives and further supports bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
Pilgrimage, Business, and Family Travel at the Forefront
This new route caters to multiple traveler profiles. Religious pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina now have another convenient, direct option. Business professionals working in Jeddah’s thriving economic zones will benefit from affordable scheduling. Meanwhile, Indian families separated by borders can reconnect more easily via a cost-effective and dependable travel option.
In particular, the Umrah travel market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, especially from southern India. Akasa’s entry will increase capacity while driving down airfare, making religious travel more accessible to middle-income families.
Akasa’s Vision: Global Growth with Local Focus
As Akasa Air continues to grow beyond domestic operations, its international expansion is rooted in offering practical, high-frequency, low-cost solutions. The airline’s emphasis on environmental sustainability, customer service, and affordability gives it a unique advantage in the Gulf travel market.
“Our entry into the Saudi Arabian market, starting with the Kochi–Jeddah route, is a step toward fulfilling our promise of connecting people to what matters most. We are committed to serving the Indian diaspora and making global travel more inclusive,” said an Akasa Air spokesperson.
The airline is expected to announce additional Gulf destinations in the near future as part of its phased international rollout.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of the Kochi–Jeddah route, Akasa Air takes a decisive leap into international aviation. Serving one of India’s busiest and most emotionally significant travel corridors, the airline is set to become a preferred choice for Kerala’s expat population, business travelers, and religious pilgrims. As Akasa builds momentum across the Gulf, passengers can expect more routes, more frequency, and more affordability—all while maintaining reliability and efficiency as its core promise.
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