Kannur Airport Achieves Remarkable Growth in 2024

Kannur International Airport (KIAL) continues its upward trajectory, marking an impressive year of expansion and connectivity in 2024. With a total of 1.3 million passengers and 11.5 thousand aircraft movements, the airport has solidified its position as a key aviation hub in the region.  

Strong Passenger Growth  
Kannur Airport witnessed a 7% growth in total passenger traffic compared to Calendar Year 2023 (CY2023). The international segment saw a remarkable 14% increase, highlighting the airport’s growing prominence as a gateway for global travel. Notably, 71% of passengers were international travelers, while 29% traveled on domestic routes.  

Thriving International Connectivity  
Kannur Airport has strengthened its international network, with key Middle Eastern destinations driving passenger traffic. The top-performing international sectors, each handling more than 1 lakh passengers in 2024, were:  

• Abu Dhabi  
• Sharjah  
• Doha  
• Dubai  
• Muscat  

Additionally, new routes to Ras Al Khaimah and Dammam were launched in 2024, further expanding connectivity for passengers traveling to the Gulf region.  

Domestic Expansion  
Domestic connectivity has also been a vital contributor to KIAL’s success. The airport continues to facilitate seamless travel within India, with the top-performing domestic sectors being:  

•  Bengaluru  
• Mumbai  
• Chennai  
• Hyderabad  
• Kochi  

The addition of a new route to Delhi in 2024 has further enhanced domestic connectivity, providing travelers with more options. Furthermore, new flights to Mumbai are planned for this year, reflecting growing demand on this key route. 
Air India Express remains the dominant carrier at Kannur Airport, handling a significant 60% of the total passenger traffic in 2024. The airline’s strategic expansion, including increased international frequencies, has been instrumental in driving growth at the airport.  

Cargo Operations Witness Impressive Growth
In addition to passenger traffic, Kannur Airport has seen remarkable progress in cargo operations, handling 3,950 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in 2024, representing a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This surge underscores the airport’s growing role in facilitating trade and logistics.
With consistent growth in both international and domestic traffic, Kannur Airport is poised for further expansion. The airport's performance in 2024 reflects its strategic importance in the aviation landscape and its commitment to providing world-class connectivity. Looking ahead, continued airline partnerships and infrastructure developments will further strengthen Kannur’s position as a premier aviation hub in the region.