<span style="color: #222222;">The Kannur international Airport-KIAL in Kerala began its operations today with Union minister for civil aviation Suresh Prabhu and Kerala Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan jointly lighting the lamp inside the terminal building, marking the inauguration of the airport. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Later the chief minister and the  Union Minister jointly flagged off the first flight from the Airport to Abu Dhabi at 10.10 am. With the Kannur airport becoming a reality, Kerala is the only state in the country with four international airports. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During his keynote address Union minister for civil aviation, Suresh Prabhu said the Kannur airport will give major boost to trade, commerce, tourism, employment and export prospects in Kerala. </span><br />''