Gulf flight cuts create crisis for Malabar NRIs

SERIOUS IMPACT | Ticket prices to go up and itineraries threatened

- HD Bureau

Air India Express decision to pull back multiple direct Gulf routes from Kerala in its upcoming winter schedule has prompted outcry from Malayali expatriate communities, especially in Malabar, who warn of escalating costs, disrupted itineraries, and diminished access. Community leaders and political figures are labelling the move discriminatory and demanding urgent redress.

The cuts include suspension of services between Thiruvananthapuram and Dubai/Abu Dhabi from October, and termination of direct links from Kozhikode and Kannur to Gulf destinations. The airline has also ceased its Kuwait-Goa route, effectively severing the only direct connection for Malabar passengers from Kuwait.