Kannur International Airport

Overview

Kannur International Airport (IATA: CNN) is the fourth international airport in Kerala, serving the northern districts of the state and the neighbouring regions of Karnataka. Opened in 2018, it was built to relieve pressure on Calicut and Mangalore airports and to cater to the large expatriate population from Kannur, Kasaragod, and Wayanad who work in the Middle East. The airport is designed to handle both domestic and international flights, with airlines operating services to Gulf destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Riyadh, as well as to major Indian cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai. With a single terminal handling all operations, Kannur Airport is compact but well equipped, processing around 1,000 passengers per hour during peak times. The busiest periods are around 7 pm and 8 pm, when several international flights depart.

Location & Access

Kannur International Airport is situated in Mattannur, about 25 km east of Kannur city centre and roughly 30 km from the coastal town of Thalassery. Its inland location, near the Western Ghats, means it enjoys relatively clear air compared to coastal airports. The airport is accessible via National Highway 66 (formerly NH 17), which links it to Kannur, Payyanur, and further south to Kozhikode. State Highway 30 connects Mattannur to the airport. Private taxis and auto‑rickshaws are the primary modes of transport; prepaid taxi counters are available in the arrivals hall. Bus services operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators connect the airport to Kannur bus stand and nearby towns. There is no direct rail link, but the nearest railway stations are Kannur (main line) and Thalassery, both about 30 minutes away by road. For those driving, a paid parking lot is available directly in front of the terminal, with separate areas for cars and two‑wheelers.

Facilities

The terminal offers a range of passenger facilities designed for comfort and accessibility. Wheelchair users will find a fully accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilets, and wheelchair rental is available free of charge. The airport provides gender‑neutral toilets, standard toilets, and baby changing tables. Baggage storage services are available for a fee, useful for travellers with long layovers or those exploring the area before a flight. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the terminal; connection details can be obtained at the information desk. On‑site services include a duty‑free shop (for international passengers), a few retail outlets selling local handicrafts, and food and beverage kiosks offering snacks and beverages. While the airport does not have a full restaurant, vending machines and a small café near the departures area serve light meals. ATMs and currency exchange counters are located in the arrivals hall. The airport is not open 24 hours; it operates according to flight schedules, and passengers are advised to arrive no more than three hours before departure. The terminal is air‑conditioned and kept clean, with seating areas near the gates.

About the Region

Kannur district, often called the ‘Land of Looms and Lores’, is renowned for its handloom industry, particularly the production of Kuthampully and Kannur handloom fabrics. It is also the heart of Theyyam, a vibrant ritual performance combining dance, music, and mythology. Travellers come to Kannur for its long, unspoiled beaches like Muzhappilangad, the only drive‑in beach in Kerala, and Payyambalam. The nearby hill station of Wayanad is a major attraction for wildlife and spice plantations. The region’s history includes the colonial fort of St. Angelo’s (built by the Portuguese in 1505) and the Arakkal museum, once the residence of the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. Kannur is also a base for exploring the backwaters of Valapattanam River and the snake‑boat races held during the Onam season. The airport thus serves both leisure tourists heading to beach resorts and heritage sites, as well as the large diaspora returning home for holidays.

Practical Information

Hours: The airport is not open all day; it operates in line with flight schedules. Typically, the terminal opens two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Peak activity is around 7 pm to 8 pm. Contact: Phone +91 490 248 1000. Website: https://www.kannurairport.aero/. For real‑time flight information, passengers should check the website or use airport displays. The airport has no hotel on site, but several accommodation options exist in Mattannur town (5 km) and Kannur city (25 km). Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal; designated smoking areas are located outside. Travelers with special assistance needs should contact their airline in advance.