A major gateway for North Kerala and the fourth international airport in Kerala, serving as a key hub for regional and international travel.


Kannur International Airport (CNN) is located in Mattanur, 28 km east of Kannur city, serving the North Malabar region, Kodagu district of Karnataka, and Mahé district of Puducherry. Commissioned in December 2018, it is operated by Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) and is the second greenfield airport in Kerala built under a public-private partnership model.
11.92, 75.55
Passenger traffic has shown steady growth since opening, with a 15% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.
2,500
Employees include airline staff, ground handlers, security, concessions, and airport operations personnel.

Kannur International Airport is designed to handle over 9.34 million passengers annually, with planned runway extension and terminal expansion projects to increase capacity further.
Deployment of advanced navigation aids, self-check-in kiosks, and digital baggage handling systems enhances operational efficiency.
Implementation of green building standards and energy-efficient systems supports environmental sustainability.
Engage with national aviation authorities to secure additional international flight rights and enhance regional connectivity.
Prioritize terminal expansion and runway extension to accommodate future passenger and cargo growth.
Accelerate adoption of renewable energy and waste management practices to meet environmental targets.