Published on January 17, 2026
As we move into 2026, Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, is launching a series of exciting new routes and codeshare partnerships that will reshape the landscape of air travel. These changes promise to make global travel easier, faster, and more convenient for passengers, particularly those traveling between Saudi Arabia, India, Europe, and beyond. With new international flights and expanded codeshare agreements, Saudia is strengthening its position as a global aviation player.

Saudia’s New Flights in 2026

In 2026, Saudia is adding several new destinations to its already expansive international network. One of the most anticipated launches is the Riyadh–Kozhikode (Calicut) route, which will commence on February 1, 2026. This new direct flight between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and Calicut International Airport in India will be operated four times a week, making it the airline’s seventh Indian destination. This expansion is part of Saudia’s strategy to tap into the growing demand for air travel between Saudi Arabia and South India. The Kozhikode region is a key area for both leisure and religious tourism, with a significant number of Indian expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. The new route will cater to this demographic, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.

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The addition of Kozhikode also signifies Saudia’s increasing focus on South Asia, where the airline is already well-established in major cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. By adding Kozhikode, Saudia is not only strengthening its Indian network but also providing more options for passengers traveling between Saudi Arabia and this rapidly growing region. The new flights will be operated on modern aircraft designed to provide comfort and convenience on long-haul journeys.

Codeshare Agreements: Expanding Global Reach

Saudia’s strategic move into codeshare agreements is one of the key elements of its growth strategy for 2026. One of the most notable partnerships is its codeshare deal with Air India, set to begin in February 2026. This collaboration will revolutionize air travel between India and Saudi Arabia by offering passengers seamless connections between the two countries. Under the new agreement, Saudia and Air India will coordinate flight schedules, allowing for easier connections and smoother transfers between their respective flights. Passengers will benefit from simplified bookings, baggage check-through, and more convenient connections, making international travel much more convenient.

This codeshare agreement is a major win for travelers flying between Saudi Arabia and India. Passengers will have access to a much larger network, with flights to more than 25 cities across India. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad will be easily accessible through this codeshare partnership. Saudia’s customers can now fly directly from Riyadh to major hubs in India and then seamlessly connect to destinations like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Lucknow. Similarly, Air India passengers can now enjoy easy connections from Delhi or Mumbai to Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and other major Saudi cities.
The Air India–Saudia codeshare agreement is expected to be a game-changer for both airlines, as it enhances their ability to serve travelers who need flexible options for their international travel. Additionally, this partnership strengthens the ties between Saudi Arabia and India, two nations with strong historical, economic, and cultural connections.

Other Notable Codeshare Partners

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In addition to Air India, Saudia has established a wide-ranging network of codeshare agreements with several major airlines. As a SkyTeam member, Saudia benefits from its partnership with Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, and other global carriers. These agreements allow Saudia to offer passengers a more extensive selection of routes, including easy connections to North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
With this extensive codeshare network, Saudia’s passengers can book a single itinerary that spans multiple airlines and offers access to a variety of destinations that would otherwise require separate bookings. These partnerships also simplify travel, as passengers can check their baggage through to their final destination and enjoy a smoother transition between flights operated by different carriers. Saudia’s codeshare partnerships with carriers such as China Eastern Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Middle East Airlines, and Oman Air further increase the airline’s reach and enhance the travel experience for international passengers.

Why These Developments Matter for Travelers

The expansion of Saudia’s flight network and the addition of codeshare agreements represent a significant milestone for the airline and its passengers. These developments provide several key benefits:

1. Greater Connectivity: With new destinations like Kozhikode and expanded codeshare deals, Saudia passengers can access more cities, regions, and countries than ever before, making travel more flexible and convenient.
2. Simplified Travel: Codeshare agreements with major carriers like Air India and Delta Air Lines mean that travelers can book single tickets and enjoy seamless connections, reducing the hassle of coordinating multiple bookings and flight changes.
3. More Options: By expanding its international routes and codeshare network, Saudia provides passengers with more flight choices, making it easier to plan trips that involve multiple stops or destinations.
4. Boost to Tourism and Trade: These new routes and partnerships are expected to foster stronger cultural, business, and trade connections between Saudi Arabia, India, Europe, and the Americas, contributing to the growth of tourism and bilateral exchanges.

Looking Forward: Saudia’s Expanding Role in Global Aviation

As Saudia continues to roll out new flights and expand its codeshare network in 2026, the airline is poised to become an even more prominent player in the global aviation industry. The carrier is already investing in modernizing its fleet and enhancing its customer service to meet the growing demand for air travel. With plans to further expand its routes to Africa, Europe, and Asia, Saudia is setting itself up for continued success in the years ahead.
In conclusion, Saudia’s new flights and codeshare agreements in 2026 signal an exciting new chapter in the airline’s history. By connecting Saudi Arabia to more cities around the world and making international travel easier and more efficient, Saudia is enhancing its reputation as a global airline. Whether you’re traveling to India, Europe, or beyond, these new developments make Saudia a top choice for international travelers.

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Tags: Airline Partnerships, global travel, international travel 2026, Middle East Flights, Riyadh Kozhikode flights

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