Published: 6 October 2026 | Updated: 6 October 2026
Good News for Kerala–Gulf Travellers: Direct Flights to Riyadh and Bahrain Begin Soon
Passengers flying between Kerala and the Gulf have a reason to smile. Air India Express will start Thiruvananthapuram Riyadh direct flights (three times a week) and direct flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Bahrain (twice a week) from 27 October 2026. The new services add non-stop options for thousands of expatriates, workers, and families who currently rely on connecting flights.
Bookings have already opened on the airline’s website. Here is the complete picture — schedule, who benefits most, and how to book smart.
Thiruvananthapuram Riyadh Direct Flights: Schedule and Frequency
The Thiruvananthapuram–Riyadh service will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday — three flights a week connecting Kerala’s capital directly with Saudi Arabia’s capital. A thrice-weekly frequency gives travellers real flexibility to pick travel dates instead of fitting into a single weekly flight.
It will complement Air India Express’s existing daily service between Thiruvananthapuram and Dammam. Together, the two routes give Kerala-based travellers two direct doors into Saudi Arabia, reducing dependence on connections through other Gulf hubs.
| Route | Frequency | Starts | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiruvananthapuram → Riyadh | 3x weekly | 27 October 2026 | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
| Thiruvananthapuram → Bahrain | 2x weekly | 27 October 2026 | Confirm on the airline’s schedule page |
| Thiruvananthapuram → Dammam | Daily | Already operating | Every day |
Exact timings can change as the launch date approaches, so re-check the official Air India Express website before planning around a specific departure time.
Bahrain Direct Flights from Thiruvananthapuram: What We Know
The second new service — Thiruvananthapuram to Bahrain, twice a week — opens a direct link between southern Kerala and one of the Gulf’s busiest island hubs. Bahrain has long been popular with Malayali workers, professionals, and business travellers, and the direct connection removes the need to route through other Gulf airports. Combined with the Riyadh service, Thiruvananthapuram is steadily becoming a stronger departure point for Gulf-bound passengers from Kerala’s southern districts.
Why This Route Matters for Kerala’s Gulf Travellers
Kerala has one of the largest expatriate populations in the Gulf. For years, travellers from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam have had limited direct options, often travelling to Kochi first or accepting long layovers. These new services change that:
- Shorter journeys: Non-stop flights cut total travel time versus itineraries with long layovers.
- Fewer missed connections: Direct flights remove the risk of a missed connection entirely.
- Better for families and elderly travellers: Parents visiting children in the Gulf benefit the most from single-flight journeys.
- Competitive opening fares: New routes often launch with attractive introductory pricing for early bookers.
Thiruvananthapuram Riyadh Flights: How to Book and What to Check
- Compare on the official channel first: Check the airline’s official website before third-party portals to know the true base price.
- Check baggage allowance: Budget Gulf fares can have tighter baggage limits — confirm checked and cabin rules for your fare class.
- Verify entry rules: For Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, check the latest visa and entry requirements on official government or airline pages before travel.
- Arrive early: International departures generally need check-in at least 3 hours before the flight; Gulf routes get crowded during festival seasons.
Related reading: our guides on the Mumbai–Hanoi daily direct flight launch and Saudi Arabia’s work-permit compliance update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When do Air India Express’s new Thiruvananthapuram–Riyadh flights start?
The service begins on 27 October 2026, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, according to the airport announcement.
Q2. How often will the Thiruvananthapuram–Bahrain flight operate?
Twice a week. Exact days and timings should be confirmed on the airline’s official booking page before planning.
Q3. Is there already a direct flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Saudi Arabia?
Yes — Air India Express already flies daily between Thiruvananthapuram and Dammam. The Riyadh service is an additional direct connection.
Q4. Where can I book these flights?
Bookings are open on the airline’s official website, mobile app, and through authorised travel partners.
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Sources
- Aviation A2Z — https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2026/10/04/thiruvananthapuram-airport-adds-direct-riyadh-and-bahrain-flights/
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport announcement (via Aviation A2Z reporting, 4 October 2026)