Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) announced the suspension of flight services for five hours on April 21 to facilitate the smooth conduct of the ‘Painkuni Arattu’ procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which crosses the airport runway. The suspension will be in effect from 4 pm to 9 pm on the specified date. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight timings during this period.
This practice of halting airport operations to accommodate the temple procession has been a longstanding tradition, occurring twice annually for decades. Despite the establishment of the airport in 1932, the ceremonial procession has persisted, with the temple’s route passing through the runway to reach Shangumugham beach for idol bathing. The tradition traces back to centuries ago, reflecting the enduring cultural significance of the ritual.
Historical records suggest that even during the construction of the airport, the then Travancore King Sree Chithira Thirunal ensured that the facility remained open for public use for the majority of the year, reserving only two days annually for Lord Padmanabha’s religious observances. This tradition has persisted through different eras, including the management transition to the Adani Group, with the airport issuing notices to airmen (NOTAM) twice a year to alert airlines about the temporary closure of the runway during the Alpassi and Painkuni festivals.
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