Despite high demand, Centre rejects Saudi’s plea to operate flights to Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram airport
The Indian government has rejected a request from Saudi Arabia to grant Point of Call status to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The decision aligns with the Centre's policy to prioritize Indian carriers for international operations from non-metro airports.
Why it matters
This policy impacts international connectivity and travel convenience for passengers in Kerala, particularly during peak festival seasons.
Amid the burgeoning demand for seats, especially during festival seasons, the Centre has rejected the Saudi Arabia government’s request to grant Point of Call (POC) status to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which would have enabled Saudi airlines to operate flights between various cities in Saudi Arabia and Thiruvananthapuram.
In reply to a question in Parliament, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol admitted that the Centre had received a request from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to designate Thiruvananthapuram as a Point of Call under the existing India-Saudi Arabia Air Services Agreement (ASA).
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