With a remarkable year of growth and connection in 2024, Kannur International Airport (KIAL) is still on the rise. With 11.5 thousand aircraft movements and 1.3 million passengers overall, the airport has established itself as a major aviation hub in the area.

The total number of passengers at Kannur Airport increased by 7% in comparison to the calendar year 2023 (CY2023). The airport’s increasing popularity as a gateway for international travel was highlighted by the impressive 14% increase in the foreign category. Remarkably, 29% of passengers took domestic flights, whereas 71% of passengers were from outside.

With important Middle Eastern destinations driving passenger travel, Kannur Airport has expanded its international network. In 2024, each of the top-performing foreign sectors handled over one lakh passengers:

• Abu Dhabi  
• Sharjah  
• Doha  
• Dubai  
• Muscat  

In 2024, additional routes were introduced to Ras Al Khaimah and Dammam, enhancing connection for travelers visiting the Gulf region.

KIAL’s performance has also been greatly aided by domestic connectivity. The airport still makes it easy to travel throughout India, and its best-performing domestic sectors are:

Bengaluru  

Mumbai  

Chennai  

Hyderabad  

Kochi  

Travelers now have more options because to the 2024 opening of a new route to Delhi, which significantly improves domestic connectivity. Additionally, in response to the increasing demand on this important route, additional flights to Mumbai are scheduled for this year.
With a substantial 60% of all passenger traffic handled at Kannur Airport in 2024, Air India Express continues to hold its position as the leading airline. Growth at the airport has been mostly driven by the airline’s strategic development, which includes higher international frequencies.

Along with passenger traffic, Kannur Airport has made significant strides in cargo operations. In 2024, it handled 3,950 metric tons (MT) of cargo, a 12% increase over the previous year. This increase highlights the airport’s expanding function in supporting logistics and trade.
Kannur Airport is well-positioned for future growth as a result of steady increases in both domestic and international traffic. The airport’s 2024 performance demonstrates both its strategic significance in the aviation industry and its dedication to offering top-notch connectivity. Going forward, Kannur’s standing as a leading aviation hub in the area will be further reinforced by ongoing airline agreements and infrastructural improvements.