Kannur airport set for major overhaul, cargo complex and solar project launched

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said that significant development works at Kannur International Airport will be rolled out within a year, as part of a broader effort to turn the state's airports into aviation hubs that contribute to economic growth and GDP.

He was speaking after inaugurating a new International Air Cargo Complex and a 4-MW solar power project at the airport on Monday.

A key focus will be securing 'Point of Call' status for Kannur, which currently restricts its international operations. The Chief Minister said the government would work to resolve this limitation.

As part of the hub plan, a pilot training centre is proposed in Kannur. Mr. Satheesan noted that airlines, including Air India, have ordered around 2,000 new aircraft, and the country is expected to face a pilot shortage when these planes enter service. The development plan also includes a helicopter pilot training centre, aircraft maintenance facilities and simulator training centres.

He pointed to a consultancy service already started at Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which has 30 years of experience and the expertise to build airports at lower costs. Within a month, CIAL received a project related to Durgapur airport through this service.

On renewable energy, Mr. Satheesan said the lack of solar storage facilities in the state remains a major challenge, with solar power mainly usable during the day and excess electricity supplied to the grid. The government is considering common battery storage facilities for government institutions and groups of households, with further announcements expected soon.

Regarding the proposed second runway, he said the suitability of the 240 acres of land notified for the project would be examined, and assured a permanent solution to the problems faced by residents over the land issue within two months.

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, MPs K. Sudhakaran and P. Santhosh Kumar, Kannur Corporation Mayor P. Indira, and other leaders and officials were present.