Kannur airport development plan targets aviation hub status
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said major changes at Kannur International Airport will be implemented within a year. Plans include seeking Point of Call status, establishing pilot and helicopter training centres, adding maintenance and simulator facilities, and assessing land for a second runway.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced plans to transform Kannur International Airport within a year. He spoke on Monday while inaugurating an international air cargo complex and a 4-MW solar power project at the airport.
Satheesan said the State government wanted airports in Kerala to become aviation hubs that could contribute to economic growth. It would work to secure Point of Call status for Kannur, which currently faces limitations in operating international services because it lacks that designation. The development plan includes a pilot training centre, a helicopter pilot training centre, aircraft maintenance facilities and simulator training centres.
Satheesan said India could face a pilot shortage as airlines receive new aircraft. He also discussed renewable energy. The government is considering shared battery storage facilities for government institutions and groups of households because solar power is mainly available during daylight hours.
Regarding a proposed second runway, he said the suitability of 240 acres notified for the project would be examined. He promised a permanent solution within two months to residents’ land-related concerns. The airport event also included the launch of the cargo facility and solar project.
Officials and elected representatives attended the programme.
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