Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has issued a Notice to Airmen announcing a five-hour closure on 30 October—from 16:45 to 21:00 IST—to accommodate the bi-annual ‘Alpassi Arattu’ ritual of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, whose ceremonial entourage physically crosses the runway.
Although the tradition predates World War II, this is the first time the airport will implement a complete airside shutdown rather than rolling holds. Twenty-three movements, including Air India’s London–TRV service and SriLankan Airlines’ Colombo shuttle, will be rescheduled or cancelled.
Airlines have begun re-booking passengers, but the late timing—just ahead of the long Diwali weekend—could push fares on alternative Kochi and Kannur routes up by 25-30 %. Freight forwarders moving time-critical pharma shipments from the Technopark SEZ are shifting loads to road to meet export cut-off at Cochin Port.
A long-term solution is in sight: the state government has cleared land acquisition for a dedicated under-pass that would allow the ceremonial procession to continue without halting aviation. Construction, however, is unlikely to start before 2027.
Travel managers should advise employees to avoid itineraries through TRV on 30 October unless essential and to reconfirm connecting tickets.
Although the tradition predates World War II, this is the first time the airport will implement a complete airside shutdown rather than rolling holds. Twenty-three movements, including Air India’s London–TRV service and SriLankan Airlines’ Colombo shuttle, will be rescheduled or cancelled.
Airlines have begun re-booking passengers, but the late timing—just ahead of the long Diwali weekend—could push fares on alternative Kochi and Kannur routes up by 25-30 %. Freight forwarders moving time-critical pharma shipments from the Technopark SEZ are shifting loads to road to meet export cut-off at Cochin Port.
A long-term solution is in sight: the state government has cleared land acquisition for a dedicated under-pass that would allow the ceremonial procession to continue without halting aviation. Construction, however, is unlikely to start before 2027.
Travel managers should advise employees to avoid itineraries through TRV on 30 October unless essential and to reconfirm connecting tickets.
