Members :Kannur International Airport Limited – KIAL

Situated amidst the lush landscapes of Kerala, Kannur International Airport (KIAL) is strategically located at Mattannur in Kannur district at an elevation of 332 feet above mean sea level. Commissioned on 9 December 2018, KIAL is the fourth international airport in Kerala and the state’s second Greenfield airport developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Serving as the principal aviation gateway to North Kerala, the airport caters to the districts of Kannur, Kasaragod, Wayanad, and parts of Kozhikode, while also extending its reach to neighbouring regions such as Coorg, Mysore, and Mangalore. Its strategic location and extensive catchment area position it as a critical driver of regional connectivity, tourism, trade, and economic development.

The airport features a Code 4E runway measuring 3,050 metres in length and 45 metres in width, capable of handling wide-body aircraft operations including the Boeing 777-300ER. Equipped with modern air navigation facilities such as Instrument Landing System and Simple Approach Lighting System on Runway 25, along with RNP-Y procedures on Runway 07, KIAL ensures safe and efficient operations under diverse weather conditions. The airport is certified with CAT-9 Rescue and Fire Fighting Services and features a parallel taxiway, multiple rapid exit taxiways, Code C and MARS aircraft stands, and aerobridges capable of accommodating Code E aircraft.

The state-of-the-art passenger terminal spans approximately 97,000 square metres and has an annual handling capacity of 9 million passengers. Designed to provide a seamless travel experience, the terminal incorporates modern passenger amenities, advanced baggage handling systems, and environmentally sustainable features that have earned the airport international recognition for service quality and customer experience.

Kannur Airport currently offers connectivity to major domestic destinations including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram, while also serving key international destinations across the Gulf region such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Kuwait. These connections play a vital role in serving the large expatriate population of North Kerala and facilitating business and leisure travel.

Beyond aviation, the airport serves as the gateway to the culturally rich and naturally diverse Malabar region. Visitors can explore renowned destinations such as Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Bekal Fort, Wayanad, Coorg, Paithalmala, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, and the tranquil backwaters of Kavvayi. The region’s unique blend of heritage, nature, adventure tourism, traditional art forms, and world-famous Malabar cuisine offers immense tourism potential.

Spread across approximately 2,300 acres of land, with significant land reserves available for future development, Kannur International Airport presents substantial opportunities for aviation-related and non-aeronautical investments. The airport is actively pursuing the development of aviation ecosystems including Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, cargo and logistics infrastructure, hospitality projects, commercial developments, renewable energy initiatives, and other airport-centric businesses.

Recognised internationally for its commitment to passenger experience, Kannur International Airport has received prestigious Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. With a clear vision for sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity, infrastructure expansion, and investment promotion, KIAL continues to strengthen its position as a leading aviation hub and a catalyst for economic transformation in North Kerala.

– Link to KIAL website