The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Thiruvananthapuram): Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will suspend flight operations for five hours on April 21, from 4 PM to 9 PM, to facilitate the historic ‘Painkuni Arattu’ procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This centuries-old event traditionally involves the idols of the temple being carried across the airport’s runway to Shangumugham Beach for a ceremonial bath.
The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) has announced that the disruption is part of a longstanding practice, where the airport adjusts its schedule twice annually for this procession. Detailed updated flight schedules during this period are available with the respective airlines.
This practice dates back to before the airport was established in 1932, when the then King of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal, decreed that the airport would accommodate the temple procession for two days each year, honoring the deity Lord Padmanabha, revered by the royal family. This tradition has continued uninterrupted, even following the airport’s recent management takeover by the Adani Group.
Airport authorities have issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) in advance of the procession, which also occurs during the Alpassi festival in October-November, to inform and prepare airlines and passengers for the temporary closure.