Barcelona to Kozhikode Etihad Airways Flights

  About Barcelona

Snuggled up by the Mediterranean Sea on the coast of Spain is the beautiful city of Barcelona. The Mediterranean metropolis is one of the largest in Spain and has global recognition as one of the best cities to vacation at. Barcelona is a world leader in the tourism, financial and cultural industries with a tremendous contribution towards fields of sports, entertainment, arts, fashion and science. Barcelona has excellent connectivity with various other European cities via domestic and international routes. In fact, through the port, many cities can actually reach Barcelona, in style.

The bustling energy of the city is something that can only be experienced in person and not just in movies. Barcelona's fervent atmosphere will marvel you, as will the enthusiasm of the locals.

Best time to visit Barcelona

Barcelona is a town of celebration which sees lovely hues and carnivals irrespective of the sticky humidity. The months from May to June are when the temperatures act extra favourable to the tourists and even the residents of the city. With temperatures close to 22 degree Celsius, the summers certainly add more charm to the place. Witness a flurry of festivities that envelop the city as the onset of summer brings varied hues with it. For people travelling from hotter countries, the weather would certainly be a treat. Thanks to the numerous carnivals that take place in the city during springtime, it definitely adds more reasons to visit Barcelona in the said season. Events such as Verbene de Sant Joan and Sonar are some of the festivals that you would enjoy during spring. Although the tourism activities drop come September, the temperature is quite pleasant as it ranges from 20 degree Celsius to 23 degree Celsius. With rains taking over the city, not many tourists are able to visit the beach. Being a coastal delight to many, the lack of beach time automatically reduces the tourist potential.

The summers easily become a high point in Barcelona's tourism. The months July and August especially see a throng of tourists relishing the Mediterranean sun while they hit the lush beaches. Due to this being the peak season, it is obviously going to come with some expensive flight tickets and accommodations. Events such as El Grec and Festa Major de Gracia further attract more tourists to the city. If you want a relaxing vacation which also falls under a good budget, spring is the time for you to fly to Barcelona. The city has exquisite accommodations and even Bnbs. You can book hotels in Barcelona's luxury hotels such as Almanac, W, Mandarin Oriental, The Serras, etc., or go for backpacking and check in to hostels. Either way, you will receive excellent treatment as the staff in Barcelona are quite friendly and happy-to-go.

Places to visit in Barcelona

Barcelona's beaches and coasts might take up most of your attention but do give the city's Catalan-styled infrastructure a peek too. The city has ornate churches, parks, museums and of course, sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea will marvel you. You can simply walk through the beautiful streets of Barcelona and check out some of their whimsical structures. Some of the flamboyant places to visit in the city include Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló. While you're venturing out to check out the city, do not miss Barri Gótic, which translates to the Gothic Quarter. These are the oldest parts of the city. The scenic city streets with alfresco cafes and clubs will definitely get your attention. To see the works of famed artist Pablo Picasso, visit the famed museum Museu Picasso, also located in the city. For the tourists who love the sport football and have a soft spot for FC Barcelona, visiting Camo Nu Stadium should be on your list of places to visit. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music) will amaze you with stellar acoustics and architectural features.

Things to do in Barcelona

La Barceloneta Beach is undoubtedly the best and the most popular beach in Barcelona that you should check out. There are various water sport activities that take place on the beach, which would entertain you. You can even take surfing sessions or parasailing, to name a few activities. The beach also has some amazing restaurants and food establishments where you will find lip-smacking seafood. While you're having fun at the beach, you should also sign up for a wine tour, especially if it's harvest season. Not only will you get to relish some of the finest wines made in the country, but you'll also get to interact with people from different parts of the world. The city also has a great nightlife with pubs and parties, some even held at the beach. A walk down Las Ramblas will be a fun experience for you since they have some amazing shops for souvenirs and local artworks.

Food and restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona's cuisine is a perfect melange of traditional Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. From delicious gazpachos to Catalonian classics, you will get the best food experience in Barcelona. There is a lot of history infused in their cuisine which makes their food, a trip of its own. While the rest of Spain is big on dishes made from meat, the Catalonian food has more fish as the base for meals. It would help you tremendously to know what to expect in terms of food in Barcelona. With heavy investment in meat, you should make sure that you have enough room to try their varied cuisine. Catalans have a thing for mixing meat and experimenting with the flavours of diverse meat. It shouldn't surprise you to see chicken and prawns being served to you on a platter. That is just the way they roll. Paella is, of course, the biggest seller in terms of Spanish food in Barcelona. In fact, even Fideuà, a type of paella, is a rage in Barcelona and something you should try. The food culture is another reason why Barcelona stands at a high rank in the list of best places to visit in the world.

While they do love their meat, the food served in Barcelona also sees a nice balance of grilled vegetables nestled against marinated meat. Vegetarians need not worry as there are dishes for your taste buds as well. One traditional dish that you should definitely check out is the escalivada, grilled eggplant tossed with red peppers, olive oil and garlic. Another recipe for the vegetarian folks is the pa amb tomàquet snack, which is basically a bread topped with crushed tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Make sure to save some room for desserts as well. Savouries such as Mel i mató (extracted from goat cheese) to Cava (Catalan sparkling wine), these dishes complement the classic Catalan rendition of creme brulee, also known as crema Catalana. Some of the best places to indulge in the Catalan and Spanish cuisine are La Patsa Lab, The Coffee House Barcelona, BelleBuon, Billy Brunch. You can further explore more taste at Pizzeria Da Nanni Barcelona, Manna Gelats, Chaka Khan, La Cava Cakery, Don Kilo Restaurant, Teoric Taverna Gastronomica, to name a few.

How to reach Barcelona

By Air

Located on the South coast of Spain, the city can best be reached via air. There are many international routes connected to Barcelona via air, making travelling convenient. Barcelona El Prat International airport has brilliant flight connectivity from Barcelona to major international cities, including India. Although there are no direct flights to Barcelona from India, many flights connecting to the Spanish city with layovers in London, Zurich, Munich, Singapore, to name a few. As one of the biggest tourist attractions in Spain, the city of Barcelona sees a good number of tourists throughout the year. Flight tickets to Barcelona from India are a little expensive, especially round trips. However, if you manage to book your flight tickets beforehand, you might find some great online flight deals to Barcelona. This might even help you cover your accommodation expenses. As a city catering to tourists, often the hospitality and accommodation prices are quite steep. However, as long as you make prior hotel bookings in Barcelona, you will not have much to worry about. You can either opt for luxury stays or go for hostels and homestays.

By Rail

Flight tickets to Barcelona from India could be expensive since it is a high-priced city, to begin with. However, the flight tickets to Madrid from India are comparatively very cheap and affordable. What you can do as a substitute to save up on some euros and get the best of both cities would be to fly to Madrid and use Madrid's domestic rail route to Barcelona. There are many trains to Barcelona from Madrid, Malaga, Zaragoza, Seville and Valencia. Not to mention how Barcelona also has impeccable train connectivity to French cities such as Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse and more.

By Sea

Considering how it is of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has great connectivity from the sea as well. There are many ships and cruises that connect the city with other European cities such as Rome, Nice, Marseilles, Corsica, Sardinia and more. If you are planning to backpack across Western Europe, then taking a boat or ferry ride to Barcelona from one of these city ports would be a fun voyage. Not to mention how you'll have a good time cruising the Mediterranean Sea.

  About Kozhikode

Formerly known as Calicut, the city of Kozhikode is one of the major commercial cities in the Kerala state. After Kochi, Kozhikode is the second biggest commercial capital of Kerala with its extensive overseas businesses. Over the years, Kozhikode has been transformed into a modern city with traces of its traditional culture still intact. It is a proper city with quaint cafes, malls, and more importantly, a hub to some of the biggest educational institutions in India. From Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode has illustrious colleges and universities.

The city is entirely developed with an international airport in place. Although it is located a little away from the city centre, the airport has a plethora of Indian and international airlines providing services. The flight connectivity to and from Kozhikode is excellent, making it one of the best in the country. It also caters to overseas flying.

Best time to visit Kozhikode

Kozhikode enjoys tropical weather, much like the rest of Kerala. The summers are scorching and the winters sublime. While the beaches look beautiful during summers as the blue waters taunt back, the winter season is the best time to visit Kozhikode. During winters, the temperature in Kozhikode drops to 14 degree Celsius, making it exceptionally tourist-friendly. You can pick up your swimming trunks and head straight to the waters without having to worry about heat strokes and dehydration. October to February is winter for Kozhikode and also the peak season. Beyond this, you will be roasted as the summer heats would be too much to handle.

As a tropical city, humidity is in the air, and it only rises exponentially during summers. In fact, the temperatures soar to 37 degree Celsius. Venturing out under the summer sun in Kozhikode would be uncomfortable. The heat would further prevent you from exploring or sightseeing. Flight tickets to Kozhikode during summer would be cheap as it is off-season. Even accommodations would be affordable so if you do plan to take a trip, book yourself a luxury hotel in Kozhikode.

Places to visit in Kozhikode

Thikkoti Light House

As a coastal spot, there are many lighthouses in Kerala. Kozhikode also has a majestic lighthouse going by the name Thikkoti. Perched atop a small hill touching the Arabian Sea in the Thikkoti village, the lighthouse has been attracting tourists since its inception. The structure is at an elevated terrain which is said to be the remains of a shipwreck. The setting is so beautiful, especially from the top of the lighthouse.

Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode Beach is one of the most popular and tourist's favourite. The beach's vibe is extremely relaxed and perfect for travellers who wish to unwind from the long day of sightseeing. The beach is known to offer a visual spectacle with the sky turning into various colours during sunset. Plus, it is only 1 km away from the railway station.

Beypore

Beypore is actually a shipbuilding port as well as a fishing harbour. One of the major reasons why you should add this to your list of places to visit in Kozhikode is because you will get to see how ships are built as well as get to see the busy fisherman head to the seas and return with delicious fish. Beypore is an important port in the West coast of India as not only does it build ships but is also essential for commercial purposes.

Thali Temple

The Thali Temple is another major tourist attraction in Kozhikode with pilgrims visiting to seek blessings from the deity. The temple is built to honour Lord Shiva, and a Shivalunga measuring about 2 ft is nestled perfectly within the premise. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples, and the sheer beauty lies in the simplicity with which it has been constructed.

Calicut Planetarium

Kozhikode has a Planetarium which will take you through some mysteries of the universe while you rest on a reclining chair. The place has a capacity of 250 visitors and is located close to the new bus stand. The Calicut Planetarium is always full with many visitors who are astronomy enthusiasts.

Things to do in Kozhikode

Drench yourself under the Kozhippara Falls

Located on the outskirts of Kakkadampoyli are the gorgeous Kozhippara Falls. Not only can you make a day of it as you hike through the trails, but you can also sit under the waterfall and relax.

Check out the Thusharagiri Falls

Nestled in the Western Ghats is the beautiful Thusharagiri waterfall. It is a little away from the main city, and you will have to trek towards the Lakkidi Ghat to reach the falls. It is quite the tourist spot in Kozhikode as many trekkers who would like to engage in outdoor activities. There are three waterfalls in the area which make quite the spectacle.

Hit the Sweet Street

There is a street in Kozhikode popular for the sweet savouries that they prepare. In fact, it is called Mithai Theravu, which translates to Sweet Street. It is actually one of the busiest streets in Kozhikode for all the right reasons. Pamper yourself with an array of delicious sweets and give yourself a sugar rush.

Watch shows at the Sargaalaya Kerala Arts

An art patron would be very much invested in the cultural heritage of Kerala. If you're one of them, then you should head to the Sargaalaya Kerala Arts which is an initiative undertaken by the Department of Tourism to promote and preserve the affluent art and culture of the state. While you're here, d check out the gorgeous backwaters that play a perfect setting for the place.

Food and Restaurants in Kozhikode

Kozhikode's food culture is a melange of Arab flavours interspersed with Indian culinary. It is known to be a foodie's hub as everyone here is enthused by the art of cooking with an acumen for exemplary cooking. The city has a unique take on culinary which is famously known as Mapilla cuisine with fish as the staple meat. The city is a foodie's paradise, and the more you try to explore, the more you'll be lost in the blissful flavours. Even though Kochi is known to have a thriving culinary scene, it is Kozhikode's flavourful food that takes the cake. You will be amazed by the exquisite food culture of the city.

Kozhikode's Paragon restaurant in Kannur Road is a haven for a biryani aficionado. The subtle mix of spices will leave you in a happy daze. Not to mention the Sulaimani tea that will go perfectly with the food. At Sagar restaurant sells delicious fish curry with pathiri which should definitely be tried. Then you have Zain's Hotel, a hotel run by women who have perfected the Mapilla cuisine. The Bombay Hotel in Silk Street also has some fantastic snacky fast food that will go down well with you. To indulge in something savoury, you can head to Maharaja Sweets where you'll find some exciting desserts like sticky halwa made from flour, jaggery and coconut oil.

How to reach Kozhikode (Transportation)

By Air

Kozhikode's airport has tremendously good connectivity with domestic cities as well as international destinations. Karipur airport, famously known as Calicut International Airport is about 23 km away from the city centre but has great internal network. There are numerous flights to and from Kozhikode flying to major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad and more. The best part about Kozhikode airport is that it also caters to international flights. The city's airport serves flights to Middle Eastern countries as there are international routes from Kozhikode that connect the city to foreign countries. With such impeccable flight connectivity to Kozhikode, travelling to the city is quite comfortable and convenient. You can book your flights to Kozhikode online and get some great flight deals in the process.

By Rail

Kozhikode also has its own railway station which connects the city to various states and metropolitans. You can find trains going to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mangalore, Kochi and more. A plethora of express trains and mails are available, some that cross the city and others with Kozhikode as the last stop. The station is also within the city limits, making travelling tad bit more manageable. You can easily travel within the city as there are transport facilities available right outside the Kozhikode station. In fact, you can book a hotel in Kozhikode which is in the proximity of the railway station. Some affordable hotel rooms are available near the railway station.

By Road

The road connectivity to and from Kozhikode to other major cities is also impressive. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation have private as well as government-run buses which connect the city to Mangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and more. The big concern that comes from road transport is extensive travel hours. You will end up investing a lot of time on a bus when travelling from Kozhikode to other cities. However, some buses run in the day as well as night so you can pick a convenient option.

  About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the flag carrier as well as the second-largest airline in the United Arab Emirates, after Emirates. The airlines' head office is located in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, in proximity to Abu Dhabi's International Airport. Operations of Etihad commenced in 2003. The airline has since expanded its wings to acquire many world-class facilities and aircraft in its fleet. With a fleet strength of 120 which only includes Boeing and Airbus aircraft, the airline has a record of flying about 1,000 flights in a week to more than 120 domestic and international routes sprawled across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America. The airline operates passenger as well as cargo-based services to many international destinations. According to records, in 2015, Etihad carried about 14.8 million passengers, a whopping 22.3 per cent jump from the previous year, adding to the revenue of the airlines to stand at USD 9.02 billion and a net profit of USD 103 million. The airline's main hub is in Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Additionally, Etihad Airways also operates two subsidiaries, Etihad Holidays and Etihad Cargo. The same year, the airlines also introduced an airline alliance called Etihad Airways Partners. However, it was disbanded in 2018 following several of its members falling in financial peril. Etihad was previously led by former Gulf Air CEO James Hogan. He was appointed as the President and Chief Executive Officer in 2006 and served the office till 2018. Currently, the airline has appointed Tony Douglas as the CEO of Etihad Group, to fill in the shoes of James Hogan. Aside from running its show, Etihad also has equity alliance and minority shareholdings in airlines such as Air Serbia, Air Seychelles Virgin Australia with 49 per cent. Forty per cent and 24.2 per cent stakes respectively.

Over the years, the airline has sponsored a slew of big events including the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Docklands Stadium and All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. On its genesis, Etihad's livery featured the flag of the United Arab Emirates along with its emblem on the vertical stabiliser while the windows had a golden Etihad logo. The fuselage also featured red and golden stripes. However, the livery was phased out as a new design was introduced in 2014. The new livery first featured on Etihad's first Airbus A380s. The new design includes triangular tessellation painted with gold and silver on the vertical stabiliser as well as the rear fuselage. The aircraft also has a golden Etihad logo along with the emblem of the United Arab Emirates painted over the windows as well as the flag painted on the front door. The golden hue is inspired by the romanticising of the Arabian desert.

Fleet size of Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways operates a fleet comprising of only Airbus and Boeing. The total size of the fleet is 102 with Boeing 787-9 taking the most space with 30 aircraft. Following the same is Airbus A320-200 and Boeing 777-300ER with 19 aircraft. Ever since the airline's genesis, it has been accommodating only the top aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. You can find both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft and the cabin facilities change accordingly. Etihad Airways' fleet is recognised worldwide for its innovative and advanced facilities.

Etihad Airways Baggage Allowance

Etihad Airways is quite strict when it comes to their baggage allowance. The airline has a standard weight and size for baggage that the passengers need to adhere to. Depending on the country that you will be travelling to, Etihad Airways has dedicated baggage allowance. You will need to go to their website and find out the same. In the baggage allowance page, the airline has reserved two blank posts where you can add the destination and the city you'll be taking your flight from. Following the search, you will know how much the baggage allowance is on Etihad Airways. The same applies to the hand luggage and passengers travelling with kids and infants.

With respect to carrying a personal item on board, the weight of the handbag with personal items should not exceed 5 kg. The personal bag could include a laptop, a backpack, handbag or a briefcase to carry onboard. It is essential that you follow the necessary protocols and not carry unwanted items in the bag. There are provisions to purchase extra baggage. In fact, the airline allows extra baggage with 30 per cent off. You will not have to pay a whopping sum of amount. The airline allows the passenger to check the status of the bag on their official website. However, it is while you have some benefits, the airline expects passengers not to carry specific things onboard or in the checked baggage. A list of prohibited items has been shared by Etihad Airways which follow protocols of all the other airlines it has partnered with. Some of the restricted items include sharp items, inflatables, wheelchairs, weapons, dangerous goods and chemicals, liquid, aerosols and gels, and more. While wheelchairs are not allowed, there are special provisions made by the airline for passengers who have mobility issues and need the wheelchair. The same applies to travellers with infants. For infants, the airline has allowed the traveller to carry enough baggage that is dedicated to baby products.

Etihad Airways In-flight services

Etihad Airways' in-flight services are world-class. The airline recently introduced Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 with several amazing features. These include a residence suite such as The Residence (A380), First Apartments (A380), First Suite (787), Business Studio and Economy Smart seat. You will find a business studio, and smart economy seat available in all the aircraft of Etihad Airways fleet. However, the state-of-the-art first-class suites and cabins are only available in their Airbus A380 and Boeing 787.

The Residence - Airbus A380 is the only aircraft in the Etihad fleet to accommodate The Residence. There is room for two people to fit in residence and features a private living space with a living room, bathroom and a bedroom. The cabin also offers a 60.6-inch wide reclining two-seater sofa with a 32-inch TV monitor. An ensuite bathroom along with a shower is also available in the suite and has an 82-inch wide doubled bed. The bedroom also comes with another TV monitor which is 27-inch along with a personal butler. The first-class' services also come with complimentary meals and alcoholic beverages.

First-class - The airline also has a First Apartments, which follows the same layout but with limited provisions from the residence. The Airbus aircraft accommodates the first-class apartment with nine total cabins and a configuration of 1-1 across a single aisle. The room features a decent 30.3-inch wide reclining chair along with an ottoman that can be converted into a bed. The airline also has a 24-inch TV monitor which can swing for a better view from the ottoman. The recliner is also accompanied by a vanity cabinet, a bar with chilled drinks and luxurious hospitality from the airline's crew. The Boeing 787-9 allows eight first suites in the aircraft which includes a 26-inch reclining lounge chair. There is a dining table along with a 24-inch TV monitor. The aircraft also comes with a personal wardrobe and high sliding doors.

Business-class - The business studio has been introduced by Etihad Airways in both the aircraft models, Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9s as well as Boeing 787-10s. The studio accommodates 22a 22-inch wide reclining chair that can be converted into a flatbed. It also comes with an 18-inch TV monitor and has a configuration of 1-2-1 seating. Everybody gets direct aisle access.

Economy smart seat - While the fabulous features are available and part of Etihad Airways' in-flight services, the economy class is also quite decent. The seats are 17-inch wide on the Boeing 787 and 19-inch wide on the Airbus A380. The seat pitch is 31-33-inch and 6-inch recline, respectively. The airline also has an 11-inch touch screen entertainment system by Etihad to cater to the in-flight entertainment of the passenger. The airline follows a 3-4-3 seating style.

Popular routes and top cities for Etihad Airways

The United Arab Emirates established Etihad Airways as the national carrier and has since managed to launch a plethora of domestic routes and international routes for their flights. Over the years, they have managed to serve about 74 destinations along with dedicated five cargo cities. Much recently, they even commenced their operations to Beirut. Some of the top cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Manama, Brussels, Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai, Cairo, Munich, Athens, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kozhikode, Kochi, Milan, Dublin, Tokyo, Amman, Kuwait City, Rabat, Lagos, Muscat, Lahore, Manila, Jeddah, Medina, Singapore, Seoul, Barcelona, Colombo, Geneva, Zurich, Bangkok, Phuket, London, Chicago, New York City, Washington DC and Los Angeles.

Why travel by Etihad Airways?

Etihad Airways' world-class in-flight services, as well as hospitality and lounge treatment, is a testament to the host country's lifestyle. It is luxurious and has some of the finest facilities. Their official website includes web check-in services, booking Etihad Airways' flights and to be updated with the flight schedules and flight status of the airlines.

  About Calicut Airport

The Calicut International Airport, which is also acknowledged as Karipur airport, serves the Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in the state of Kerala. The international airport enables flight connectivity to the Malabar region of Kerala. The Calicut International Airport is 25 km from the town of Malappuram and about 26 km from Kozhikode. The airport is recognised as the 11th busiest airport in the country, concerning overall passenger traffic. It is also known to be the third busiest airport in the state of Kerala, following Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. The Calicut International Airport received its international airport stature in 2006. The airport is also known to be the only airport in Kerala with a tabletop runway. There are only three tabletop runway in India after the Calicut Airport - Lengpui Airport and Mangalore Airport. The Calicut Airport serves as the base for Air India Express which has services of the Hajj Pilgrimage, flying to Jeddah and Medina from Kozhikode. The airport also serves as a focus city to airlines such as Air India, Indigo and SpiceJet.

About Calicut Airport Terminals

The Kozhikode Calicut International Airport has two passenger terminals supporting international and domestic airlines. One terminal is dedicated to domestic airlines that offer regional flights to travel within the country. The terminal is a single level which takes care of the arrivals as well as departures of passengers. It also caters to Air India Express, which operates from the airport. The departure and arrivals space in the domestic terminal has restaurants, shops, executive and VIP lounges and other services too. Meanwhile, the terminal also has nine check-in counters, six customs counters, 12 immigration counters and five security booths. The international terminal has two levels. The ground level is reserved for the arrival and departure halls. The space also caters to a bunch of amenities including, cafes, restaurants, shops, duty-free establishments and more. The first floor of the international terminal comes with a port lounge and a VIP lounge. The port lounge is basically for the economy class while the VIP one is reserved for the first-class ticket holders. There are about 23 check-in counters, 42 immigration booths, five customs counters and three security checks.

About airport authority

The Airport Authority of India, famous known by its abbreviation AAI, owns and serves the Calicut International Airport. AAI has worked tremendously on bettering the Calicut International Airport and has managed to put it on the map of busy airports in India. Thanks to the statutory body's intervention helped bring back some international airlines to the airport, including services of the Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 777-300ER. Over the years, the airport has witnessed tremendous development and expansion.

Top airlines flying from Calicut Airport

Calicut International Airport has good connectivity to some of the cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Majorly, the Calicut airport has airlines operating to reach domestic cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai, as metro stations. Aside from these, cities such as Kannur, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Agatti see flights from the Calicut International Airport. There are a few domestic and international airlines that fly from the airport. Airlines such as Air India, Alliance Air, IndiGo and SpiceJet, operate from the Calicut International Airport. Some of these domestic airlines also have international journeys on their calendar. Air India's Air India Express has flights to cities in Kerala as well as international cities such as Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, Sharjah, Riyadh and more.

International airlines that fly from the Calicut International Airport include Air Arabia, Air India Express, Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Flynas, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, SalamAir and Saudia. A majority of airports in the state of Kerala have direct flights to Middle Eastern countries. Since a lot of demand is prevalent for Middle Eastern cities in Kerala, airlines from the said countries operate from Kerala as well. Air India Express specifically has an operating base with services to Medina and Jeddah from the Calicut International Airport. The cities host the Hajj Pilgrimage and hence, see a lot of demand from pilgrims during the holy seasons.

Facilities at the Calicut Airport

WiFi - The airport terminal has an excellent WiFi connection. You can find details of the same at the check-in counter. The airport's domestic and international terminals both have a good connection. A domestic phone number would be required to log in to the WiFi network. They are available for free.

Special assistance - The Calicut International Airport also caters to services for personal assistance, especially for senior citizens, expectant mothers and physically disabled passengers. There is specific special assistance that you can acquire at the information desk. Informing the airlines about the special requests for wheelchairs or personal assistance can be demanded as well. Each airline has skilled professionals who are trained for these services.

ATMs and forex - There are ATM kiosks and foreign exchange booths present at regular intervals at the airport. To ensure that required liquid currency can be accessed, the airport has brought about a good number of ATM kiosks and currency exchange booths. They are available at the departure and arrival zones of international and domestic terminals.

Prayer rooms - Multi-faith rooms to observe prayers have also been made available at the airport. The Calicut Airport has dedicated rooms that are available at both, departure and arrival terminals. The rooms can also be used for meditation purposes. There are religious books of multi-faith available in the room as well.

Post office - The good part about the airport is how they have postal services as well. In case there is a sudden necessity to post a letter or important documents, it can be arranged at the airport. They are available close to the domestic and international terminals.

Baggage - The airport has several services pertaining to baggage. There are trolley services available at the Calicut International Airport. They can be found at regular intervals outside and within the airport premise. You can find them at the international and domestic terminals.

Restaurants and cafes - There are many restaurants and cafes present at the airport complex. You can find some of the food establishments at the arrival and departure zones. Plus, there are some quick snacks and beverages joints available at the check-in areas too. There are dedicated food courts and also decent restaurants that can be found in the lounge area.

Internet cafes - In case you need to send important emails or work on some projects at the airport, there is an internet cafe installed at the airport. Even though the WiFi services are available, you can get hold of a computer system at the airport and work on professional projects.

Lounges - The airport provides lounge services as well. Since it is an international airport, there are VIP lounges as well as premium lounge authorised by AAI. Some of the lounge services have spas, showers, hotel rooms for in-transit passengers, upscale restaurants and great hospitality.

How to reach Calicut Airport

Rail

The closest railway station is the Feroke railway station from the Calicut Airport. The station is about 18 km away from the airport and is connected to many important cities close to Kozhikode. Meanwhile, the Kozhikode Railway Station, located about 28 km away from the Calicut Airport, is also well-connected. The station is connected to various major Indian cities as well as within Kerala. There are taxi cabs and bus services available from the railway station to the airport. In case you are travelling from within the state and need to reach Calicut Airport, the best route would be to opt for the Kozhikode Railway Station.

The state also has buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, to help with connection to the airport. They service FlyBus, which is a low-floor AC bus that shuttles between the main city of Kozhikode and the airport. The bus is a perfect mode of transport to use if you have to reach Calicut International Airport. These services are cheap and perfect for budget travellers who need to save money. Plus, they are quite convenient too. You can find these buses in Kozhikode, Palakkad, Malappuram, to name a few cities. The Calicut International Airport is situated on the National Highway 966 and is further joined by National Highway 66 at Ramanattukara. Both the national highways are located at a distance of 2.3 km and 8 km from the airport. The highways further connect Calicut International Airport to Kozhikode, Malappuram. Wayanad, Coimbatore, Kannur, Thrissur and Palakkad.

About Calicut

Calicut or Kozhikode, is a principal town and the second largest urban agglomeration in the state of Kerala, after Kochi. The city is the 20th largest populated in India with a population of 2 million, as recorded in the 2011 census. Kozhikode's fame comes from its plethora of spice industry. The city is also known as the City of Spices as it catered as an important trading point for Indian spices. Kozhikode or Calicut is recognised as the second-best city to reside in India with respect to the economics research as conducted by the firm Indicus Analytics in 2009. They have accumulated data on residences, investments and earnings to form the ranking. Predominantly, the city features a tropical monsoon climate and witnesses two periods of showers in a year.