Kerala plans to bring its four airports under one network

Kerala has launched a new initiative to bring its four international airports, run by different entities, under a single network.

This is part of the state's mission to transform itself into an aviation hub announced by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, in the annual budget her presented recently.

A top bureaucrat said the initiative aims to improve travel and logistics by leveraging their strengths, with a focus on better connectivity, services, skills and economic growth.

Addressing a session on the topic at the three-day conference on the state's flagship projects that concluded Friday, principal secretary TV Anupama said there was broad consensus on the need for a future-oriented approach to aviation in Kerala.

"Promoting Kerala's four-airport ecosystem could enhance Kerala's status as a hub for aviation, logistics, tourism, and related industries," she said.

"Our aviation assets, logistics infrastructure and regional strengths provide a strong foundation for building an integrated aviation ecosystem." The 2026-27 budget proposes integrating the airports, serving about 21 million passengers annually, into a single network.

"It will enhance route development, connectivity, and overall aviation growth and support an integrated aviation ecosystem leveraging their strengths," she said.

"There will be a comprehensive state aviation policy and master plan, emphasising sustainability, digital platforms, strategic partnerships, and performance monitoring." The state also plans to develop an integrated international museum and oceanarium, focusing on its 2,000-year maritime legacy and marine biodiversity.

A new company chaired by the chief minister and supported by an advisory council will own and operate both facilities under a single brand.

Satheesan called it a "dream project" and noted that Kerala's large diaspora and private investment could create a sustainable model with significant long-term value.

"The integrated approach seeks to leverage the oceanarium's revenue to support the museum's functions and reduce reliance on state funding for both institutions," he said.

The government will play a catalytic role in taking the project forward, incorporating the latest technologies and international practices into its design and operations.

Kerala's maritime history, spanning nearly two millennia, provides the foundation for the proposed institution.

The narrative encompasses the ancient port of Muziris, the Quilon trade route, Beypore's traditional Uru-building craft and the modern deep-water port at Vizhinjam.

The budget has allocated funds for the maritime museum, and the feasibility of developing an oceanarium alongside it on the same waterfront is also being examined.

"We will bring together all relevant stakeholders and seek their inputs to take the project forward and make this dream a reality," ports secretary Rathan U Kelkar said.