Kozhikode’s loss to be Kannur’s gain

Kozhikode: The non-availability of land and a pending runway expansion at Kozhikode international airport will work to the advantage of  Kannur  airport, which is expected to be commissioned by May next year.  

The Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) authorities are planning to market the expansion potential of KIAL  to the airline authorities during a  meeting with them after completing about 85 percent of the  work.

“Kannur  airport looks for business from passengers who have been depending on either Kozhikode or Mangalore airports.  We will highlight the expansion possibilities of our airport with adequate land available at our disposal. Neither Kozhikode nor Mangalore has  such potential,”  Mr K.P. Jose, chief project engineer of KIAL, told DC.

AAI sources say that the operations of wide-bodied aircraft at Kozhikode airport are  unlikely to continue even after the runway repair.   But the KIAL can attract  the airlines with a longer runway that can cater to the largest aircraft  now in use.

“Moreover, we have enough land for setting up allied business centres to boost the business for airlines. We will also give  aprons for night stay  for aircraft,” Mr. Jose said.

The KIAL would have parking space for 20 aircraft and this area can be expanded to accommodate 40 aircraft. “Kannur airport would be one of the best airports in the country and all services and facilities are in tune with international standards. We believe that when the airlines  see our facilities, they will offer their services from here,” he added.

As of now,  about 55 percent of the runway work and about 30 percent of the terminal work are over.  The work was stopped temporarily due to rain and it would restart once the rainy season is  over.