The Kerala government said Friday that Kannur airport has not yet received “point of call” status, which would allow foreign airlines to operate from there, despite multiple requests to the Centre and a recommendation from a parliamentary standing committee supporting the move.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M B Rajesh, speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, addressed the issue in the Assembly after UDF MLA Sajeev Joseph raised concerns about the need to expand flight services from Kannur airport and develop it to international standards.
Rajesh said the state has repeatedly urged the Centre to grant point of call status to Kannur airport. Chief Minister Vijayan had personally met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu on the issue and submitted a memorandum on September 28, he added.
Although a parliamentary standing committee has recommended the move, Rajesh noted that no action has been taken to date. The state is also pushing for the airport’s inclusion in the UDAN scheme, a regional airport development initiative of the union government.
Rajesh assured the Assembly that the state government would continue pressing for the grant of point of call status and urged UDF MLAs to support the cause by raising the matter in Parliament.
Joseph further slammed the current situation at Kannur airport, saying it has all the necessary facilities, but only two airlines—Air India and Indigo—are currently operating there, which is inadequate for the people of northern Kerala. He also accused the Centre of neglecting the airport, pointing out that four airlines initially operated from the location, but only two remain.