Kozhikode International Airport (CCJ), or Karipur Airport, stands as a vital gateway to Kerala’s heritage and modern aviation. Nestled 28 km southeast of Kozhikode city in Kondotty, this tabletop runway gem pulses with the comings and goings of expatriates, tourists, and locals, linking the region’s timeless biriyani trails and pristine beaches to global horizons.
Historical Evolution
The airport opened on April 13, 1988, after campaigns led by figures like K. P. Kesava Menon and funding from Gulf Malayalis via the Malabar International Airport Development Society. It achieved international status on February 2, 2006, with runway extensions from 6,000 to 9,000 feet funded by HUDCO loans, enabling larger aircraft operations. Challenges like the 2020 Air India Express Flight 1344 crash, which killed 21 amid a runway overrun, spurred safety upgrades including RESA extensions and recarpeting, with land acquisition ongoing as of 2022.
The Iconic Tabletop Runway
Situated 28 km from Kozhikode in Kondotty, Malappuram district, the airport features a distinctive tabletop runway (2,850 m), separate domestic and international terminals managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and security by CISF. Amenities include snack bars, duty-free shopping, baggage wrapping, lounges, and parking, earning a 3-Star Skytrax rating for cleanliness and service. Recent expansions boost capacity for its third-busiest status in Kerala, with FTI-TTP immigration starting September 2025. For pilots, it is a precision-demanding feat, making it one of the most unique and technically challenging airfields in India.
Airlines and Routes
Air India Express uses CCJ as its primary base, alongside IndiGo, Air Arabia, Etihad, and others serving 20+ destinations. International flights dominate to Gulf hubs like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Bahrain, reflecting Malabar expatriate ties; domestic links cover Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi. Wide-body operations resumed briefly in 2018 for Saudia and Emirates but halted post-2020 crash, with narrow-body focus now prevailing.
Ground Transport Options
Pre-paid taxis, Uber, and Ola provide 40-60 minute rides to Kozhikode city along NH-966 and NH-66, connecting to Wayanad northward or Palakkad southward. KSRTC FlyBus offers budget service, supplemented by autos to Kondotty junction for regular buses. Monsoon terrain demands planning, with airport parking suiting self-drivers.
2025 Safety Milestone: RESA Expansion
As of late 2025, the airport is at a critical turning point. Major construction is currently underway to extend the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) from 90 meters to 240 meters. This massive project involves filling nearly 3.5 million cubic meters of soil to level the terrain. Once completed (projected for early 2026), this upgrade will likely allow the return of wide-body aircraft (like the Boeing 777), potentially restoring direct jumbo-jet connections to the Middle East and beyond.
Passenger Amenities & Layovers
The terminal reflects Kerala’s heritage with murals and traditional motifs. Recent 2025 upgrades have added 24 new check-in counters to ease the rush. For those with long layovers:
Lounges: The Al Hind Malabar Palace Executive Lounge (International) and Bird Lounge (Domestic) offer quiet zones away from the bustle.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning local, landing at Kozhikode International Airport is always an experience to remember. From the thrill of the tabletop runway to the warm Malabar hospitality waiting just outside the terminal gates, Karipur remains the heartbeat of North Kerala’s connection to the world.