Travellers flying to or from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport should plan ahead for a temporary suspension of flight operations on October 20, 2026. The airport will pause services for five hours to allow a traditional temple procession to cross the runway.
The temporary closure is linked to the Alpassi Arattu procession associated with the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a longstanding religious tradition in the state capital.
Why Will the Airport Close Temporarily?
The procession follows a traditional route that passes through the airport runway. To accommodate the event safely, airport authorities have scheduled a five-hour interruption to flight operations.
The arrangement reflects the unusual connection between the airport’s operational schedule and a religious tradition that remains an important part of the city’s cultural life.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
Flights scheduled around the closure period could be affected by revised timings. Passengers with bookings for October 20 should check directly with their airlines to confirm departure and arrival times before travelling to the airport.
Travellers connecting through Thiruvananthapuram should also review their onward flight arrangements, particularly if they have a short connection window.
Tips for Travelling on October 20
Check airline messages and the airport’s official updates before leaving home. If your flight time has changed, follow the airline’s instructions for rebooking or other available options.
Passengers should avoid relying on older itineraries or third-party schedule listings that may not reflect the latest operational changes.
The temporary pause is scheduled for a specific cultural event, so travellers should confirm the exact affected time window with the airport or their airline before making final plans.
