Air India & Saudia Expand Codeshare, Boost India-Saudi Flight Options

Air India and Saudia airlines codeshare agreement announcement

Air India and Saudia Unite to Expand Codeshare Between India & Saudi Arabia

Air India and Saudia — the national carriers of India and Saudi Arabia — have signed a major codeshare agreement set to take effect from February 2026, aimed at boosting air travel connectivity and convenience between the two nations. This expanded partnership will offer travellers more flight options, smoother booking, and wider access to both domestic and international destinations.

More Cities, More Options

The codeshare brings expanded access to a broad set of destinations:

• For Saudia passengers: Access to Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, and Jaipur, plus more than 15 other destinations via interline arrangements.

• For Air India guests: Seamless onward connections from Jeddah and Riyadh to Saudi destinations such as Dammam, Abha, Gassim, Gizan, Madinah, and Taif.

The deal also includes codeshare flights on the Jeddah–Riyadh route, offering travellers the flexibility to arrive in one city and depart from another — a useful option for multi-city tours or business trips.

Why This Is a Big Deal for Travellers

Enhanced Flexibility and Ease

This enhanced codeshare arrangement means travellers won’t need to juggle separate tickets when hopping between airlines, which can reduce stress and the risk of missing connections. It also allows travellers to plan trips that include multiple key cities across India and Saudi Arabia without complicated travel logistics.

Growing Demand for Middle East Travel

India and Saudi Arabia have seen rising demand for both leisure and business travel, driven by tourism growth, religious pilgrimages such as Umrah and Hajj, and expanding commercial ties. This codeshare helps both airlines meet those travel needs more effectively.

What Airlines Are Saying

Officials from both carriers have emphasised the strategic nature of this pact. They have noted that Saudi Arabia is a key market for Air India and that expanded access will help open up new travel opportunities for Indian passengers while strengthening ties between the two countries. 

What the New Codeshare Deal Means

Streamlined Travel With One Ticket

Under the agreement, passengers flying with either airline will benefit from:

• Single-ticket booking and ticketing for smoother journey planning

• Seamless connections without separate tickets or rebooking hassles

• Checked-through baggage to the final destination
  These improvements are designed to make long-haul and regional travel far more convenient for business travellers, tourists, and the Indian diaspora living in Saudi Arabia.