Kochi airport has reported 10 flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia, Doha and Ras Al Khaimah between October 11 and 13 amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, prompting authorities to advise passengers to verify their flight status with airlines before travelling to the airport.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) said some airlines operating services between Kochi and destinations in Saudi Arabia had reported cancellations during the three-day period. The airport operator attributed the cancellations to the prevailing geopolitical situation but did not provide further details about the specific developments affecting the services.
Among the flights affected on October 11 were Flynas services XY 399 and XY 400 between Kochi and Riyadh, Air India Express flights IX 475 and IX 476 connecting Kochi with Doha, Akasa Air flights QP 523 to Riyadh and QP 550 to Jeddah, and IndiGo flight 6E 1517 to Ras Al Khaimah, officials said.
CIAL said five of the 10 cancelled services during the three-day period were operated by Akasa Air. The cancellations listed for October 12 include Akasa Air flight QP 551 from Jeddah to Kochi, QP 524 from Riyadh to Kochi and QP 523 from Kochi to Riyadh. Akasa Air flight QP 524 from Riyadh to Kochi is also listed as cancelled on October 13.
The disruption extends beyond Kochi, one of Kerala’s key international aviation gateways. Officials at Calicut International Airport in Karipur reported the cancellation of three services on October 11: Saudi Arabian Airlines flight SV 713, scheduled to depart at 9.55 am; Flynas flight XY 328 to Riyadh, scheduled for 9.10 am; and Air India Express flight IX 321, scheduled to depart at 8.15 pm.
The affected routes are important links between Kerala and the Gulf region, which serves a large population of passengers travelling for work, family visits and other personal commitments. The airport statements, however, did not specify the number of passengers affected or whether the cancellations would lead to rescheduling, refunds or alternative arrangements by the airlines.
CIAL advised passengers to check their flight status directly with the respective airlines before proceeding to the airport. Calicut airport authorities said decisions on the departure of other flights would be taken after assessing the prevailing situation. Passengers travelling from Kerala to Saudi Arabia, Doha, Ras Al Khaimah and other West Asian destinations have therefore been asked to confirm operational details with their airline before starting their journey.
