Air Kerala Gears Up For June 2025 Launch, Secures IATA Code “KD” To Provide Affordable Travel Between Kerala And Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Air Kerala is making significant progress towards its June 2025 launch with the recent acquisition of its official IATA code “KD,” which stands for “Kerala Dream.” This milestone marks a pivotal moment for the budget airline as it prepares to offer affordable travel solutions connecting Kerala to key destinations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. By targeting the growing demand for budget-friendly air travel in this region, Air Kerala aims to serve millions of expatriates and travelers seeking cost-effective routes between Kerala and the GCC, filling a gap in the market while positioning itself as a key player in the regional aviation sector.

Indian budget airline startup Air Kerala has made notable strides towards its inaugural flight, having secured its official IATA code “KD,” which stands for “Kerala Dream.” This significant achievement, as stated by Chairman Afi Ahmed, symbolizes a key milestone in the airline’s journey towards its launch, slated for the end of June 2025. The acquisition of the IATA code signifies the airline’s readiness to enter the competitive aviation market, as it continues to align its operations and infrastructure with industry standards.

CEO Harish Kutty confirmed that the activation of the IATA code will occur once the airline obtains its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which is expected to be granted next month. The AOC is a crucial regulatory certification required for any airline to commence commercial operations, marking another step towards Air Kerala’s operational readiness. With its certification expected soon, the airline is now on track to begin flying within the projected time frame.

Air Kerala, headquartered in Kochi, is a startup airline focused on providing low-cost travel solutions for the sizable non-resident Keralite (NRK) community spread across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The six members of the GCC are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This community, consisting of millions of expatriates from Kerala, has long been an underserved market, and Air Kerala aims to fill that gap by offering budget-friendly flights between Kerala and key Gulf destinations such as Dubai and Doha. The airline’s strategic focus on serving this demographic could give it a competitive edge in the regional travel market.

The airline has already established a fully equipped office in Kochi, complete with training facilities, to support its growth and operations. Air Kerala plans to employ 1,000 people by the end of 2025, a substantial workforce that will help the airline scale its operations. As of now, recruitment is actively underway, with essential staff members undergoing training in preparation for the airline’s expected launch. The focus on employee development ensures that Air Kerala will be ready to operate at full capacity once it secures its regulatory certifications.

Air Kerala’s planned fleet consists of seven aircraft by year-end, with the first of three ATR aircraft expected to arrive by late June. These aircraft will serve the airline’s intended routes to the GCC region, and their arrival will be a crucial step towards the airline’s operational readiness. The airline is focused on providing ultra-low-cost services, allowing it to cater to price-sensitive travelers, including the large expat community that typically seeks affordable travel options. This budget-focused approach will be key to Air Kerala’s success, especially given the rising demand for affordable international travel within the region.

The airline’s targeted service offerings will primarily include short-haul flights connecting Kerala with major cities in the GCC, such as Dubai and Doha. These routes are especially attractive to the NRK population, who frequently travel between their home state in India and the Gulf countries for work or family-related matters. Air Kerala’s decision to prioritize these popular routes aligns with the growing demand for convenient, cost-effective travel options in the region. Given the scale of this demand, the airline’s entry into the market could have a transformative effect, particularly on the short-haul international route network.

As of now, Air Kerala’s leadership team has been hard at work developing the airline’s infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the operational standards set by aviation regulators. In addition to recruiting and training essential staff, the airline is also working on establishing strong partnerships with key industry players, including airports, service providers, and maintenance agencies. These collaborations will be critical to ensuring the airline’s smooth operation once it begins flying.

Air Kerala’s operational model is based on an ultra-low-cost structure, allowing it to offer highly competitive fares on its routes. The airline’s focus on providing affordable travel options will likely make it an attractive choice for price-conscious travelers. This is especially significant in a region where demand for budget travel has surged in recent years, driven by an increase in both tourism and business travel. By catering to this demand, Air Kerala is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape of India and the GCC region.

Furthermore, the airline’s decision to focus on the NRK community is a strategic move, given the size and economic significance of this demographic. Many Keralites living in the GCC countries regularly travel to and from Kerala, making the demand for affordable, reliable air travel particularly strong. By providing direct, low-cost flights to key Gulf destinations, Air Kerala will be offering a much-needed service that will significantly benefit the expat community and potentially capture a large share of this market segment.

Despite the growing competition in India’s aviation market, Air Kerala’s entry could serve as a disruptor to established players, particularly in the short-haul international market. With competition intensifying within India and regional travel demand continuing to rise, the airline’s ambitious goals and infrastructure could give it the edge it needs to succeed. Additionally, the backing of UAE-based investors adds credibility and stability to Air Kerala’s operations, ensuring that it has the financial resources to compete in this competitive market.

The company’s future growth also looks promising. With the airline planning to expand its fleet and increase the number of routes in the coming years, Air Kerala has the potential to scale its operations and broaden its network. As the demand for affordable air travel in India and the GCC continues to grow, the airline could further capitalize on this trend and expand its services to other destinations within the Middle East and beyond.

Air Kerala has secured its IATA code “KD” and is set to launch in June 2025, aiming to provide affordable travel between Kerala and key GCC destinations: Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This strategic move positions the airline to meet the growing demand for budget-friendly flights in the region.

Air Kerala’s entry into the Indian aviation market is certainly one to watch. With its targeted demographic, strong operational foundations, and commitment to offering affordable air travel, the airline is positioned to make a significant impact on short-haul international routes. As recruitment and training continue, and with its fleet set to arrive soon, the airline is on track to take to the skies as planned. Its success could pave the way for further developments in the ultra-low-cost travel segment, changing the dynamics of regional aviation and providing travelers with more affordable options.