{
  "id": 15386731,
  "title": "UAE–Kerala alert: Thiruvananthapuram airport suspends flights briefly on October 20",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/uae-kerala-alert-thiruvananthapuram-airport-suspends-flights-briefly",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T08:56:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uaekerala-alert-thiruvananthapuram-airport-suspends-flights-briefly-on-october-20-1.500714873"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 20, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala will briefly halt flight operations for five hours to accommodate a centuries-old temple procession. The airport will suspend services from 4pm to 9pm local time, allowing the traditional 'Alpassi Arattu' procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to pass across the runway en route to Shangumugham beach for a ritual bath. This suspension, which could affect travelers between the UAE and Kerala, is a recurring tradition dating back to when the airport was established in 1932. Passengers flying between the UAE and Thiruvananthapuram on this date should check their flight status, confirm any changes to departure or arrival times, and allow extra time for travel and check-in if their flight is rescheduled.",
  "summary": "UAE travellers heading to Kerala should check their flight schedules before travelling, as Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will temporarily suspend flight operations for five hours on October 20 to make way for a centuries-old temple procession. The airport will halt services from 4pm to 9pm on Tuesday (local time) to facilitate the traditional ‘Alpassi Arattu’ procession of Sree…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times",
        "title": "Thiruvananthapuram airport to suspend flights for 5 hours on October 20 for Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s Arattu procession",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/thiruvananthapuram-airport-to-suspend-flights-for-5-hours-on-october",
        "published": "2026-10-18T08:12:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}