Heavy turnout expected for Kannur airport inauguration

Pandal with seating capacity for 25,000 people being readied

Work in progress on the venue for the inauguration of the Kannur International Airport on the airport premises on Saturday.

In anticipation of a massive turnout of people for the inauguration of the Kannur International Airport here on December 9, Kannur International Airport Ltd (KIAL) is setting up a huge venue.

KIAL officials said nearly 60% of work on the main pandal (shamiana) at the venue had been completed. The pandal is being set up as a hanger-like structure, they said, adding that the venue will have a total area of around 1.20 lakh sq ft and 25,000 seating capacity, with separate areas for Ministers, MPs, MLAs, media, and the public.

Special arrangements are being made for those who surrendered their land for the airport project, they informed.

According to officials, the pandal will be ready three or four days ahead of the inaugural day. It requires two to three days for the installation of LED screens on both sides of the stage and fans and the completion of seating arrangements.

Mattannoor to perform

Interestingly, percussion maestro Mattannoor Sankarankutty will perform on a mini stage near the main dais. Traditional art forms will be presented at the venue from 7 a.m. on the inaugural day.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu will reach the venue by 10 a.m. after lighting the lamp at the terminal and flagging off the first flight, KIAL said.

The terminal building, flyovers, and Air Traffic Control buildings will be illuminated on the eve of the inauguration. A beam light will also be flashed from ATC tower, the company added.