Air India and Saudia Sign Codeshare Deal to Boost India-Saudi Arabia Travel from Feb 2026
January 17, 2026
Air India and Saudia, the national airlines of India and Saudi Arabia, have signed a codeshare agreement effective from February 2026. This new deal will simplify travel between the two countries by allowing passengers to book a single ticket for flights across both carriers. It will also expand access to many more domestic and international destinations.
Under the agreement, travellers flying into Jeddah or Riyadh with Air India can connect seamlessly to Saudia-operated domestic flights in Saudi Arabia, including to Dammam, Abha, Gassim, Gizan, Madinah, and Taif. Similarly, passengers flying with Saudia can access over 15 destinations in India via Air India’s network from Mumbai and Delhi. Some key Indian cities include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow and Jaipur.
The deal also covers codeshare flights on the busy Jeddah–Riyadh route, giving travellers flexible options to arrive in one city and depart from another.
Saudia Group Director General Engr Ibrahim Al-Omar called the agreement “a strategic step forward” that enhances travel links between the countries and improves passenger experience. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said Saudi Arabia is “a major international gateway” and the codeshare will benefit business visitors, tourists and the large Indian diaspora living in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership will offer single-ticket booking, coordinated schedules, and checked baggage transfers to reduce stress and make multi-leg journeys smoother. It meets growing demand for convenient travel options between the two nations.
This agreement is part of a wider trend where airlines form partnerships to expand their networks and provide better service. Air India has also signed deals with Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines recently. Saudia aims to strengthen its position as a gateway connecting Asia and the Middle East.
Starting February 2026, this codeshare pact promises to transform air travel for millions between India and Saudi Arabia by offering more destinations, easier bookings, and better connections for business, leisure and family travellers.
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Tags:
Air india
Saudia
Codeshare Agreement
India-Saudi Arabia Flights
Travel Connectivity
Aviation Partnership
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