Kannur International Airport (CNN): Quick Overview
Kannur International Airport (IATA: CNN) opened in December 2018, making it Kerala’s fourth international airport. It sits about 25 km from Kannur city in northern Kerala. The airport primarily serves the large Keralite diaspora in Gulf countries, with international routes to Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat, Doha, and Abu Dhabi operating alongside domestic connections. Annual passenger traffic crossed 20 lakh in 2023-24 (Airports Authority of India, 2024).
TL;DR: Kannur Airport (CNN) is North Kerala’s international gateway, best known for Gulf routes serving the Kerala diaspora. IndiGo, Air Arabia, and Air India Express are the main carriers. Domestic connections to Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai are available. Book flights at happyfares.in.
Which Airlines Fly from Kannur Airport?
Kannur sees a healthy mix of Indian and international carriers. Air Arabia and Air India Express dominate the Gulf corridors, while IndiGo handles most domestic traffic. As of 2026, the following airlines operate scheduled services from CNN.
- IndiGo: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi (domestic)
- Air India Express: Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain
- Air Arabia: Sharjah (international, budget fares popular with Gulf workers)
- Air India: Select Gulf routes and occasional domestic connections
Flight schedules change seasonally. Always check live availability on happyfares.in before planning your trip.
What Routes Does Kannur Airport Serve?
Gulf routes account for roughly 65-70% of Kannur’s total passenger traffic, reflecting the massive Malayali workforce in the Middle East (Civil Aviation Ministry of India, 2024). Dubai and Sharjah see the highest frequency, with multiple flights daily during peak seasons like Onam and Christmas.
Top International Routes from Kannur
- Kannur to Dubai (DXB): 3 hr 45 min, multiple daily flights
- Kannur to Sharjah (SHJ): 3 hr 30 min, daily
- Kannur to Muscat (MCT): 3 hr, 4-5 flights per week
- Kannur to Doha (DOH): 3 hr 15 min, daily
- Kannur to Abu Dhabi (AUH): 3 hr 30 min, 3-4 times per week
- Kannur to Bahrain (BAH): ~4 hr, select days
Domestic Routes from Kannur
- Kannur to Mumbai: ~2 hr, daily
- Kannur to Bengaluru: ~1 hr 30 min, daily
- Kannur to Chennai: ~1 hr 45 min, several per week
- Kannur to Hyderabad: ~1 hr 45 min, several per week
- Kannur to Delhi: ~3 hr, a few per week
Terminal Facilities at Kannur Airport
Kannur has a single integrated terminal handling both domestic and international passengers. The terminal spans roughly 65,000 sq metres and can handle around 1,500 passengers per hour at peak capacity (Kannur International Airport Limited, 2023). Facilities are modern compared to older regional airports.
Departures Side
- Web check-in counters and self-service kiosks
- Dedicated Gulf worker facilitation counters
- Food court with Kerala-style snacks and meals
- Duty-free shopping (international departures)
- Currency exchange counters
- Prayer room (separate for men and women)
Arrivals Side
- Pre-paid taxi counter just outside arrivals
- ATMs (SBI, Federal Bank)
- Medical assistance point
- Porter services available
How to Get from Kannur Airport to the City
Kannur city is about 25 km from the airport. The drive takes 35-50 minutes depending on traffic. Auto-rickshaws do not ply to the airport directly, so plan your transfer in advance.
- Prepaid taxi: Available at the arrivals exit. Fare to Kannur city is roughly ₹500-700.
- App-based cabs: Ola and Uber coverage is improving but availability can be sparse on early morning flights.
- Private car hire: Local taxi operators around Mattannur town are reliable and often cheaper if booked in advance.
- KSRTC bus: Limited bus service connects the airport road to Kannur city. Not the most convenient for heavy luggage.
Nearby Accommodation Options
Most travellers passing through Kannur stay in Kannur town itself, which has a good range of hotels from budget guesthouses to mid-range business hotels. Thavakara, near the airport, has a couple of highway hotels useful for very early morning departures.
Travel Tips for Kannur Airport
- Arrive early for Gulf flights: Emigration clearance for emigration-check required (ECR) passport holders adds 30-45 minutes. Arrive at least 3 hours before international departures.
- Baggage rules for Gulf routes: Air Arabia and Air India Express have strict cabin baggage weight limits (7 kg). Double-check before packing.
- Onam and Christmas surge: Fares spike 40-60% in the two weeks before Onam and Christmas. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead during these periods.
- Passport validity: Most Gulf countries require at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your travel date.
- Duty-free limits: Indians returning from Gulf countries can bring up to ₹50,000 worth of goods duty-free (as per CBIC rules, 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions: Kannur Airport
Is Kannur Airport international or domestic?
Kannur (CNN) is a full international airport. It handles both domestic flights (IndiGo to Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.) and international flights primarily to Gulf countries.
Which is the nearest railway station to Kannur Airport?
Kannur railway station is the nearest major station, about 25 km away. Mattannur station is slightly closer at around 12 km but has fewer trains. Kannur station connects to major cities like Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Does Kannur Airport have parking facilities?
Yes, the airport has surface parking for private vehicles. Short-term and long-term parking slots are available. Rates are standard AAI tariffs.
Can I book Gulf flights from Kannur on HappyFares?
Yes. HappyFares lists Air India Express and other carriers flying from Kannur to Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat, Doha, and more. You can compare fares and book at happyfares.in.
What is the baggage allowance on Air India Express from Kannur?
Air India Express typically allows 15 kg checked baggage on its base fares for Gulf routes. The exact allowance depends on your fare type. Check your ticket or the airline’s website for confirmation before travel.
Are there direct flights from Kannur to Delhi?
IndiGo operates Kannur-Delhi connections, though some involve a stop. Direct non-stop options are limited. Check current schedules on happyfares.in for the latest availability.
Book Your Kannur Flight on HappyFares
Whether you’re flying to Dubai for work or heading back home to North Kerala, compare flight fares instantly at happyfares.in. Set a price alert for your route and get notified when fares drop before you book.
