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Kannur International Airport

Kannur, KeralaCNNVOKN· Gateway to Northern Kerala Where Malabar Meets the World
OverviewFlightsFacilitiesGetting ThereHotelsNearbyTipsFAQNewsReviews

Kannur International Airport (IATA: CNN, ICAO: VOKN) is a greenfield international airport serving the Malabar region of northern Kerala, inaugurated on December 9, 2018. It is the fourth international airport in Kerala and was developed under a public-private partnership model with the state government, local bodies, and private stakeholders. Situated near Mattannur at an elevation of 330 feet above sea level, the airport has quickly emerged as a vital gateway for the large Non-Resident Keralite (NRK) community working in the Gulf countries.

Operator
Kannur International Airport Limited
Opened
2018
Elevation
101 m
Runways
1
Also known as
Mattannur Airport
Region
South India
Distance to city
Approximately 25 km from Kannur city centre and about 18 km from Mattannur town.
annual passengers: Approximately 2.5 million (FY 2022-23) growth: Passenger traffic has grown steadily since inauguration, with significant revival post-COVID driven by Gulf-bound travellers from northern Kerala.
Official website Plan a trip to Kannur on TravelerPulse

Flights & airlines

Domestic destinations
MumbaiChennaiBengaluruDelhiHyderabadGoaKochi
International destinations
DubaiAbu DhabiSharjahMuscatDohaBahrainKuwait CityRiyadhDammamJeddahKuala LumpurSingapore
Airlines serving this airport
Air India ExpressIndiGoSpiceJetAir ArabiaOman AirflydubaiEmiratesAir IndiaAirAsia India

Cargo: Dedicated cargo facilities are available handling perishables, courier, and general freight; the airport supports exports of spices, seafood, and cashews from the Malabar region.

Terminal facilities

Passenger Terminal
A modern, single integrated terminal spanning approximately 85,000 sq ft with separate domestic and international processing areas, designed with traditional Kerala architectural motifs.
Duty-Free Shops
International duty-free retail outlets offering perfumes, liquor, electronics, and local handicrafts, primarily catering to Gulf-bound passengers.
Food & Beverage Outlets
Multiple dining options including a food court, café chains, and outlets serving local Malabar cuisine to both departing and arriving travellers.
Lounge
Business and premium passenger lounge facilities offering comfortable seating, refreshments, and Wi-Fi for eligible travellers.
Cargo Complex
A dedicated cargo terminal equipped for handling perishable goods, courier parcels, and general freight, with cold-storage facilities for seafood and agricultural produce.
Car Parking
Multi-level and surface parking zones accommodating hundreds of vehicles, with short-term and long-term parking options available at the terminal forecourt.
Medical Centre
An on-site medical centre staffed to handle passenger health emergencies, including facilities for COVID-era health screening requirements.
ATMs & Currency Exchange
Multiple ATMs from leading Indian banks and authorised foreign exchange counters available in both the departure and arrival areas.

Getting to the airport

KSRTC / Private BusKerala State Road Transport Corporation buses and private operators connect the airport to Kannur city, Thalassery, Kozhikode, and other towns in northern Kerala.INR 30-150 30-90 minutes depending on destination
Prepaid Taxi / Auto-rickshawPrepaid taxi counters are located at the arrival exit; app-based cabs such as Ola are also available for hire to Kannur city and surrounding areas.INR 400-800 25-45 minutes to Kannur city
Private Car / Self-DriveThe airport is accessible via NH 966 and state highways; car rental services are available at the terminal for self-drive or chauffeur-driven options.INR 800-2000 25-40 minutes to Kannur city
Shuttle ServicesSelect hotels in Kannur and Thalassery operate complimentary or paid shuttle transfers for guests; it is advisable to pre-arrange with the hotel.INR 0-500 30-60 minutes

Hotels near CNN

Mascot Beach ResortMid-range
28 km from airport · INR 3,000-6,000 per night

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation property located on the Kannur beachfront, offering comfortable rooms and proximity to the Fort St Angelo area.

Malabar Ocean Front Resort & SpaLuxury
30 km from airport · INR 7,000-15,000 per night

Upscale beach resort offering sea-facing rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options; popular with leisure travellers visiting northern Kerala.

Clarks Inn KannurBusiness
26 km from airport · INR 2,500-5,000 per night

A business-friendly hotel in Kannur city offering comfortable rooms, conference facilities, and easy access to the commercial hub.

Ayisha Manzil Heritage HomeHeritage Boutique
32 km from airport · INR 5,000-10,000 per night

A renowned heritage homestay in Thalassery known for traditional Malabar cuisine and cultural experiences; ideal for travellers seeking an authentic experience.

Hotel PlacioBudget
24 km from airport · INR 1,200-2,500 per night

A budget-friendly option near Mattannur town offering basic amenities and convenient proximity to the airport for early departures.

Beyond the airport

Fort St Angelo (Kannur Fort) Historical Monument
A 16th-century Portuguese fort overlooking the Arabian Sea, later used by the Dutch and British. It offers panoramic coastal views and houses a small museum.
28 km away · best: October to March
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach Beach
India's longest drive-in beach stretching about 4 km, where vehicles are permitted on the hard sand. A unique attraction popular with domestic tourists and locals.
22 km away · best: November to February
Theyyam Performances (Malabar Region) Cultural/Ritual Art
Theyyam is a vibrant ritualistic art form unique to northern Kerala, performed at local temples and kavus (sacred groves) throughout the region, with elaborate costumes and devotional energy.
10 km away · best: November to April
Thalassery (Tellicherry) Heritage Town
A historic coastal town renowned for its British-era fort, the birthplace of Indian circus arts, unique Malabar cuisine (particularly the Thalassery biryani), and spice trade heritage.
20 km away · best: October to February
Payyambalam Beach Beach / Leisure
A popular urban beach in Kannur city featuring a well-maintained promenade, children's park, and scenic sunset views over the Arabian Sea.
26 km away · best: November to March

Travel tips

  • Arrive at least 3 hours before international departures, as immigration and security queues can be lengthy during Gulf-peak travel seasons (Eid, Onam, and Christmas).
  • Pre-book taxis or arrange hotel shuttles in advance; app-based cab availability can be limited outside peak hours at the airport.
  • The airport has limited dining variety compared to larger hubs, so consider having a meal in Kannur city or Mattannur before heading to the terminal for long waits.
  • Currency exchange is available at the terminal but rates may not be the most competitive; exchange a small amount at the airport and use city money changers for larger conversions.
  • Check for fog or monsoon-related flight delays between June and September, as the Kerala coast experiences heavy rainfall during this period.
  • Duty-free allowances apply for Gulf returnees; be aware of Indian customs regulations on gold and electronics to avoid excess duty charges on arrival.

Development: The airport has plans to expand its terminal capacity and extend the runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft, which would support more long-haul international routes. Under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, efforts are ongoing to add more domestic routes connecting smaller towns in Kerala and neighbouring states.

Frequently asked questions

Kannur airport news

CISF Conducts Full-Scale Emergency Mock Exercise at Kannur AirportDeccan Chronicle · 2026-09-11CISF Conducts Full-Scale Emergency Mock Exercise at Kannur AirportDeccan Chronicle · 2026-09-11Keralam: CISF conducts full-scale emergency mock exercise at Kannur airportANI News · 2026-09-11Kannur airport plans 100-MW solar projectThe Hindu · 2026-08-16Air India Express Dubai flight cancellation sparks passenger protest at Kannur airportTelegraph India · 2026-08-10 · disruptionPassengers Protest at Kannur Airport Over Air India Express Flight DelayDeccan Chronicle · 2026-08-10 · disruptionPassengers Protest at Kannur Airport Over AI Express Flight DelayDaily Pioneer · 2026-08-10 · disruptionDubai-based IT manager alleges humiliating Customs search at Kannur airport, seeks CM’s interventionThe Hindu · 2026-07-21
More Kannur aviation news →

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Last verified 2026-09-11. Airport information changes — always confirm critical details with the airport or your airline. Source: IndianAirports.com airport directory. Found something outdated? Report incorrect information.