The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken over the regular security of the newly-constructed Kannur International Airport in Kerala ahead of the launch of commercial operations in the end of November.
The induction ceremony was held on Wednesday, headed by a Commandant rank officer. The sanctioned strength of the CISF personnel for Kannur International airport is more than 600.
"With this induction, total airports under the CISF security cover raised to 61 as on date. The administrative control of this airport will be under DIG, CISF South Zone Airport, Chennai," the CISF said in its statement.
Kannur International Airport, located in Mattannur -about 20 kilometres away from the city of Kannur- is spread over an area of more than 2330 acres and is the biggest airport in Kerala in terms of land area. The airport has a 3050 meter-long runway.
This would be the first airport in India which would dispense with stamping of hand baggage from day one of its operations due to the surveillance systems in place as well as other prerequisites in place for doing away with stamping.
In the light of the increased threat perception to the aviation sector across the country, security of Kannur International Airport is of utmost importance as thousands of tourists, including foreigners, will visit Kerala through this airport.