How Will Air India’s New Direct Flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Riyadh Transform Travel Starting September 9, 2024?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Starting September 9, 2024, Air India Express is set to commence direct flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Riyadh. This announcement, reported by Manorama Online, has generated considerable excitement among passengers in southern Kerala. The new service will operate weekly on Mondays. Flight AX 521 is scheduled to depart Thiruvananthapuram at 5:55 pm and arrive in Riyadh at 10:40 pm. The return flight will leave Riyadh at 11:40 pm and reach Thiruvananthapuram at 7:30 am the following morning. This direct route promises to significantly reduce travel time, fulfilling a long-standing demand from passengers who have sought a more direct connection between these two cities for the past five years.

Background and Previous Challenges

The introduction of this direct flight service addresses several challenges previously faced by travelers. Prior to this development, passengers had to endure lengthy journeys involving multiple layovers. For example, connecting flights via Sri Lanka required passengers to lay over in Colombo for over eight hours, followed by a further five-hour flight to Riyadh. This made the total travel time stretch to approximately 15 hours. Additionally, the cost of such connections was often prohibitive, and the long layovers added to the stress of travel.

The discontinuation of direct flights by Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, and the subsequent suspension of Air India’s direct flights during the pandemic exacerbated these issues. Although Air India had previously operated direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram, service was halted due to low passenger numbers and pandemic-related disruptions. Saudia had discontinued its service as there were not enough passengers to sustain it.

Impact on Travelers

The new direct flight service is expected to have a significant impact on travelers from southern Kerala and neighboring regions in Tamil Nadu. Adv. Mansoor Kuttanayyath, owner of Olympia Travels, expressed optimism that the new service would alleviate the severe hardships faced by passengers who previously endured long and tiring journeys. Many travelers, including expatriates returning from school holidays and those planning to visit Kerala for the Onam festival, have already begun inquiring about bookings.

The direct flight is anticipated to cut travel time to Riyadh to just five hours, a stark contrast to the 8-15 hours required with current connection services. This efficiency is likely to be particularly beneficial for families, elderly passengers, and those with medical needs who have struggled with the extended travel times and the stress of layovers.

Challenges with Connection Services

Current connection services to Riyadh involve multiple stops at locations such as Colombo, Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. These flights not only extend travel time significantly but also come with high ticket prices. In contrast, the new direct service offers a streamlined alternative that can greatly reduce both travel time and costs.

For passengers with moderate incomes, who often rely on budget airlines, the new direct service will provide a more affordable and less stressful travel option. The previous extended routes, which involved additional expenses for food and beverages during long layovers, have been a considerable burden.

Regional and Global Impact

The introduction of direct flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Riyadh is likely to have a broader impact beyond just the local passenger base. For the global travel industry, it highlights a trend towards improving connectivity between key regions and addressing long-standing passenger demands. The ease of direct flights can enhance overall travel efficiency and improve the passenger experience.

Additionally, this development underscores the importance of addressing passenger needs and adapting services to meet evolving travel demands. As more airlines and airports consider similar adjustments, travelers worldwide may benefit from increased convenience and reduced travel times.