The work on the airport was progressing and the first aircraft will touch down by December next year, Chandy said.
Once the airport becomes operational, it would lead to development of Kannur as a "handloom hub" of the country, he said.
He also said that it has been decided to have the runway of 3,400 m against 3,050 m planned earlier.
Kerala minister for Ports, K Babu said the Kannur Airport, which is the fourth International airport in the state, would be the most modern with all facilities. The other three airports in Kerala are at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Karippur International Airport in Malappuram District.