With an impressive performance in April 2025, Kannur International Airport (KIAL) continued its upward trend, registering a 39% year-over-year increase in passenger volume and a 27% increase in aircraft movements over April 2024. During the month, 1,054 scheduled movements and 138,769 passengers were handled, indicating a robust recovery and growth momentum.

With 26,481 passengers handled, the Abu Dhabi sector was the best-performing, demonstrating the Gulf corridor’s ongoing demand. Notably, 43% of KIAL’s April international traffic consisted of passengers from the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the significance of Middle Eastern connectivity for the airport.

At home, Delhi and Mumbai each registered more than 11,000 passengers, making them exceptional performers. This important link has been further reinforced with the introduction of a triweekly Air India Express service to Mumbai. Additionally, Air India Express has expanded connectivity to important southern metro areas and improved customer comfort by adding new services to Hyderabad and increasing frequency to Trivandrum.

KIAL has excellent opportunities for future growth. In order to expand Kannur’s reach in the GCC, IndiGo plans to introduce new international routes to Fujairah and Muscat by mid-May, followed by Damman in mid-June 2025.

A major logistical and spiritual milestone for the airport, Haj operations are also planned from May 11 to May 29, when over 5,000 pilgrims are anticipated to leave Kannur for the holy journey.

KIAL has recovered well from the difficulties caused by the Go First shutdown in FY 2023–2024, which significantly affected operations and income. With several airline conversations pending, including talks with both established and up-and-coming Indian carriers, KIAL officials are hopeful about further expansion and operational turnaround in FY 2025–2026. The airport generated ₹187 crore in income in the previous fiscal year.