Kerala’s first regional airline, Air Kerala, is set to begin operations in June 2025, with its inaugural flight taking off from Kannur International Airport. The airline aims to boost regional connectivity by primarily focusing on Tier II and Tier III cities across South and Central India.
Operating as an ultra-low-cost carrier, Air Kerala will initially use a fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft, with plans to expand to a 20-aircraft fleet in the future to support international operations. The airline has also established its corporate headquarters in Kochi, featuring modern training facilities to accommodate over 200 aviation professionals.
The leadership team of Air Kerala includes Chairman Afi Ahmed, CEO Harish Kutty, Vice President of Operations C.S. Randhawa, and Vice President of Security Ashutosh Vashisth. Recruitment is actively underway, with a strong focus on hiring Indian pilots and training crew familiar with domestic aviation norms.
In its initial phase, Air Kerala will operate domestic flights within a 90-minute flying radius from Kannur. Looking ahead, the airline has ambitious plans to launch international services by 2026, especially to Middle Eastern destinations, catering to the large expat population from Kerala.
