Utilities and Support Infrastructure
Creating outside support services/ infrastructural facilities is considered to be as important as the development of the airport itself. The greatest emphasis is being laid on access roads. The plan is to take up and complete the supporting infrastructure at the earliest.
Roads being developed
| Kannur | - Mattannur |
| Thalassery | - Mattannur |
| Payannur | - Mattannur |
| Karnataka Border | - Mattannur |
| Mattannur - Anjarakkandi | - Thalassery |
| Wayanad | - Mattannur |
| Mahe | - Muzhuppilangad by pass |
| Nadapuram | - Thalassery |
Rail
Rail linking Thalassery with Mysore will facilitate multi-modal access to the airport. The State Government is pursuing discussions with the Central Ministry of Railways on a proposal for 'Kannur International Airport Railway Station.
Tourism / Hotels
Tourism, especially health, pilgrimage and beach tourism, is being developed in the state to attract more national and international tourists. The airport is quite close to Wayanad and Kodagu (Coorg) which are well known locations for adventure and wild life tourism with great scenic beauty. Several hotel chains have come up to explore the tourism potential of the region.
Bekal
Bekal is the largest and most well preserved fort in Kerala. It is situated in Bekal in Kasargod district, which is 95kms away from Kannur Airport. The fort is spread over 40 acres. The important features of this fort are the water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. This observation center had strategic significance in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort.
Pilgrimage Tourism
This is a branch of tourism which is being promoted in this area in view of the presence of a large number of internationally famous shrines belonging to different religions.
Industries
Traditional industries like textile, handloom and modern sectors like IT will get a boost with the establishment of the airport. Similarly the airport will grow consequent to the rapid industrialization from the flow of increased passengers, a win-win situation for both.
