Kerala’s Gulf Bridge Disrupted: Expatriates Rally for Action

The decision by Gulf Air to cancel flights to Calicut and reduce services to Kochi has ignited a wave of online protests and appeals from passenger associations, who see these routes as more than just flights but as lifelines that have carried generations of Indians to the opportunities and livelihoods offered by the Gulf region.

Yesterday, the Kozhikode Jilla Pravasi Forum (KPF), an association representing air passengers from Calicut, filed a representation to H.E. Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India, seeking his intervention.

KPF highlighted that Calicut, located on India’s Malabar coast in the state of Kerala, has historically been a vital hub for travelers to the Gulf, particularly Bahrain and other GCC countries. The association stressed that Gulf Air’s decision disrupts an essential lifeline for expatriates who rely on these flights for affordable and convenient travel.

Historical Significance

Calicut’s relationship with the Gulf dates back centuries to its days as a prominent port city in the global spice trade. The connection grew stronger in the 1970s when a wave of migration from Kerala to the oil-rich Gulf region began. Gulf Air became a critical player in this movement, enabling workers to reach Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. Over the years, these routes served not just economic migrants but also families maintaining bonds across borders and businesses trading goods between India and the Gulf.

A Plea for Action

KPF underscored that Gulf Air’s four weekly flights to Calicut were consistently full, with occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent, reflecting the high demand for these services. The decision to terminate operations has sparked widespread concern, particularly among expatriates who now face higher costs and fewer options for travel.

In their plea to the Indian Minister of External Affairs, KPF urged the government to initiate discussions with Gulf Air’s management, Bahrain’s aviation authorities, and the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain. They hope such efforts can lead to a reversal of the decision, which has disrupted the lives of thousands of families who depend on these vital connections.

The association’s president, Sudheer Thirunilath, said it also plans to approach India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bahraini authorities to seek solutions under the framework of the Air Services Agreement between the two nations, as it mandates that capacity and frequency of services should align with air transport demand.

For expatriates, this is about preserving a bridge of hope — a link that has not only transported people across borders but has also carried aspirations, sustained livelihoods, and fortified bonds that span continents and generations.