Calicut (or Kozhikode, in its restored vernacular name) is easily accessed by road, train and air. Just as medieval Calicut was on the main maritime route between Arab countries and South East Asia, Calicut today is the hub of air traffic with the Middle East. The Calicut International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in India and handles flights of more than 12 national and international airlines. It is around 30 kilometres from the city and pre-paid cabs operate from the airport. Many hotels offer pick-up services for guests.
Direct international flights operate almost daily to and from Sharjah, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Muscat, Doha and Ras al-Khaimah. Many operate more than a couple of flights daily to the same destination. Convenient connections to Asian, European and American destinations are offered by Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Jet Airways and Air India.
Domestic destinations served by Calicut airport include Kochi (Cochin), Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad, Mumbai (Bombay) and New Delhi.