Sat Nov 02 15:25:44 UTC 2024: ## Thiruvananthapuram Airport to Close for Five Hours on November 9th for Temple Procession
**Thiruvananthapuram, November 2, 2024:** Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will be closed for five hours on November 9th, from 4 pm to 9 pm, to facilitate the annual “Alpassi Arattu” procession of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. This tradition, dating back centuries, sees the temple procession cross the airport runway en route to Shanghumughom beach for the idols’ holy bath.
The airport’s closure is a biannual event, occurring during both the Alpassi festival (October-November) and the Painkuni festival (March-April). The airport issues a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) in advance, notifying airlines of the temporary runway closure. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules.
The airport authorities emphasized the importance of preserving the region’s cultural and traditional practices, highlighting the ritual’s historical significance even after the airport’s establishment in 1932.
First Piper 