The airport has lately been in the news in Kerala and the Gulf, following frequent complaints and even strikes by Gulf-based passengers due to delayed flights, cancellation of flights and the alleged mistreatment of passengers by airline crew.

"We are calling for an open sky policy to allow international airlines to operate flights to the airport. It is one of the most crucial airports in India as far as Gulf passengers are concerned," K K Usman, chairman of the Gulf Calicut Air Passengers Action Committee (GAPAC), told The Peninsula.

Calicut airport is used by a major segment Keralite expatriates in Qatar and other Gulf countries but the sector is monopolised by two Indian carriers, Air India and Indian.

According to Usman, "About 2,000 to 3,000 seats are required every week to meet the demand from Doha-based passengers alone, but the actual seats offered by Air India and Indian will not come more than 700, at the maximum. The frequent flight delays and cancellations have further worsened the situation."

"We are exploring the possibility of expanding the forum to other Gulf countries by bringing together various Keralite organisations in the region under a coordination committee," he said. 

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