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New airport in Kerala to ease expatriates' trip back home

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New airport in Kerala to ease expatriates trip back home

Abu Dhabi - The airport is set for commercial operations by October or November.

by

Ashwani Kumar
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Published: Sat 22 Sep 2018, 11:36 PM

Expats from the Indian state of Kerala are elated as its fourth international airport is set to be operational soon. Trial run for Kannur International Airport was successfully conducted on Thursday with safe landing of Air India Express Boeing 737.
The airport is set for commercial operations by October or November. Expats said the new facility will cut short the time travelling from other airports and boost tourism and business too.
Kalyan Krishnan, a long-time Abu Dhabi resident, said hundreds of families in the UAE are excited. "I have been residing here for 38 years and this has been a long wait. The airport is set to start operations from November and unfortunately, I am travelling next month.
So once again, it will be a travel to Calicut airport," said Krishnan, a native of Mele Chovva, a residential suburb. "Once operational, I can do away with the long travel from Kozhikode. My place is just 18km from Kannur airport. So instead of three-hour journey, I will need to travel just for 20 minutes."
Jyothilal Balan, literary secretary at India Social Centre Abu Dhabi, said the airport is a blessing for the people of north Malabar region. The airport, he noted, will boost economy.

"A domestic air network connecting all four airports of the state and nearby cities of Mangalore and Bengaluru (in Karnataka state) and Coimbatore (in Tamil Nadu state) will definitely bring a facelift to the business and tourism sector. It will boost tourism in the entire region of north Malabar, Udupi and Coorg among others. I also expect a revival for the renowned Kannur handloom industry, which is going through a tough period," he said.
Balan said that having an airport shouldn't be seen as a luxury. "When Kochi International Airport was flooded, Kerala didn't get isolated since we could utilise Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. So having another airport in the north will have a long-lasting impact."
Balan, however, has a concern regarding road network in Kannur. "Roads aren't developed as per requirement. Unless network is developed then there is not much advantage in shifting to Kannur."
Bineesh Kottarathil, a Dubai resident, said the new airport is a proud moment for all expats. He noted the airport nearby his home will ensure the holidays start on the right note.
"I am working in Dubai for past 12 years and so far have flown to Calicut International Airport. My native place is Kuthuparamba town of Kannur and it takes more than three hours of travel to reach my home from Kozhikode. With a new airport coming at my place, the travel time will be reduced to just 30 minutes or less. I hope that many international airlines ply on the route and offer competitive rates."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

Ashwani Kumar

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