Suspended services to resume, sharp rise in revenue; another Kerala airport on the path to growth

MATTANNUR: Kannur International Airport handled a total of 15.1 lakh passengers last year, the highest since the airport began operations. The previous record was 14.7 lakh passengers in 2019. Compared to the previous year, passenger traffic increased by 16 percent in 2025.

Of the total, 10.51 lakh were international passengers and 4.58 lakh were domestic passengers. The number of international passengers rose by 15 percent, while domestic passengers increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year. The highest number of international travellers was to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, and Sharjah. In the domestic sector, Bengaluru recorded the highest passenger traffic.

According to KIAL (Kannur International Airport Ltd) officials, the airport has also achieved growth in its financial performance. There has been a 23 percent increase compared to the previous financial year. For the last six months, the airport has been operating with balanced income and expenditure.

Construction of a Category One approach lighting system at the airport will begin this year. Work on the solar power plant is in its final stage. Services that were suspended during the winter schedule will be resumed by Air India Express in the summer schedule starting in April. In addition, new airlines such as Fly 91, Alhind Air, and Air Kerala are expected to begin operations this year.