New Saudi Arabian Airlines flights to Kozhikode, Lucknow, Bangalore

28 January, 2008:

Saudi Arabian Airlines has decided to extend operations to more destinations in India. The decision comes following a new aviation agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and India.

As per plans, Saudi Arabian airlines is all set to fly to the Indian destinations of Kozhikode in Kerala, Lucknow, and Bangalore. As a reciprocal measure, India’s national carrier Air India will start a new service to the Madinah International Airport in addition to its existing services to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.

Reports pointed out that a decision to this effect was taken at a meeting in Jeddah, in mid-January 2008, to review the bilateral air services agreement between the two countries. The two countries have reportedly agreed on designating multiple airlines. This apart the two nations would enhance the existing traffic entitlement of 8,500 seats per week to 20,000 seats per week with immediate effect. Both sides have also decided to free up all limitations on the cargo services. There will be no restriction in terms of frequency and point of call for operating all cargo services.

Apart from the newly added destinations of Kozhikode, Lucknow, and Bangalore, Saudi Arabian Airlines already flies to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Hyderabad.

Saudi Arabian Airlines will also fly to Ahmedabad, Trivandrum, and Kolkata in the second phase of the agreement and two private airlines from India will be given permission to come to Riyadh and Dammam.