Air Kerala (KD)Online Booking & Reservations

About

Air Kerala is an upcoming ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) based in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

Proud to be the state’s first ULCC, the new airline is committed to safe, reliable, and affordable travel — aiming to reshape how people fly in the region.

The airline is poised to launch operations by mid-2025. It plans to start with domestic flights, connecting smaller Tier II and III cities to major hubs like Kochi, Kerala, with budget-friendly fares.

Air Kerala’s mission is to connect small and medium-sized cities in South India with major airports, eventually offering direct flights to the Middle East to serve Kerala’s large expatriate community.

Initially, the airline will operate a fleet of ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft (around 72 seats each), which are well-suited for short regional routes. As the airline grows, it plans to expand its fleet (up to 15–17 aircraft for domestic services) and later introduce larger jet planes for international flights to Gulf destinations in the coming years.

**History

The initial project for Air Kerala was first proposed in 2005 during the Chief Ministership of Oommen Chandy. Subsequently, Air Kerala International Services was registered as a fully owned subsidiary of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in February 2006. However, after a change in the state government, the proposal faced a period of dormancy.

In April 2023, UAE-based Keralite businessman Afi Ahmed acquired the airkerala.com domain name, signaling renewed interest in the airline. His private company, Zettfly Aviation Private Limited, backed by Dubai-based investors, received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in July 2024. This NOC permits Zettfly Aviation to operate scheduled commuter air transport services for three years, marketing these services under the Air Kerala brand.

Baggage Allowance

Carry-on: Air Kerala has not yet announced its official baggage policies as of early 2025. However, being a low-cost carrier, it’s expected to follow industry norms for carry-on luggage. Typically, airlines allow each passenger at least one small cabin bag (e.g. a backpack or tote that fits under the seat or in the overhead, often around 55×40×25 cm in size) plus a personal item, with weight limits usually in the 7–10 kg range. Air Kerala will likely offer a similar allowance.

Checked Baggage: For checked luggage, Air Kerala’s exact rules are still to be confirmed, but travelers can expect a pay-as-you-need model. On domestic low-cost flights, it’s common that checked bags are not included in the base fare; instead, passengers purchase baggage allowances based on their needs. We anticipate that Air Kerala will offer one or more checked baggage options (for instance, 15 kg, 20 kg, or up to 30 kg per bag) for an additional fee.

Check-in

Comprehensive information on Air Kerala's check-in processes, including the exact opening and closing times for online check-in and airport check-in counters, will be published on the official Air Kerala website (airkerala.com) closer to the commencement of flight operations.

In-flight Services

As a brand-new ULCC, Air Kerala has not yet detailed its in-flight amenities or services. Travelers should expect a comfortable yet no-frills onboard experience in line with the airline’s low-cost model.

Refund & Cancellation

Air Kerala is developing its fare structures and associated policies for refunds and cancellations. As an ultra-low-cost carrier, the conditions for changes and refunds will likely vary significantly based on the type of fare purchased.