Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday (September 28, 2026) will inaugurate two major infrastructure initiatives at the Kannur International Airport, a 4 MWp grid-connected solar power plant and a new integrated cargo complex, strengthening the airport’s focus on renewable energy and cargo logistics.

The 4 MWp solar plant, completed by Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL), comprises 2.163 MWp of ground-mounted capacity and 1.841 MWp of carport solar capacity. Implemented under the capital expenditure (CAPEX ) model, the project has an award value of approximately ₹18.90 crore.

The plant is expected to generate an average of 4.8 lakh units of electricity a month, substantially meeting the airport’s daytime power requirements. It is expected to make the airport effectively power neutral during Zone 1 billing hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and deliver net savings of around ₹30 lakh a month after applicable charges and operation and maintenance costs.

The project is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 40,000 tonnes annually.

KIAL is pursuing further expansion of renewable energy generation as part of its long-term objective of achieving greater energy self-sufficiency. 

Integrated cargo complex

The new integrated cargo complex, developed at a cost of ₹32.95 crore, has a floor area of 5,695 square metres and an annual cargo handling capacity of 57,000 metric tonnes. The facility includes dedicated infrastructure for international export and import cargo and domestic cargo operations. The major facilities include a 1,912 sq.m international export area, 485 sq.m international import area, and 201 sq.m import Customs examination area.

The complex has a truck docking facility for 13 trucks, separate airside access gates, and temperature -controlled facilities. The complex also features dual-view X-ray scanners, a Customs bonded warehouse, Customs examination facilities, and dedicated infrastructure for hazardous and detained goods.

The project received ₹20 crore as grant under the Trade Infrastructure for Export scheme of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It also received ₹5.09 crore under the NABARD grant for the Centre for Perishable Cargo.