GMR Airports strikes deal to run duty free at Kannur International in Kerala

INDIA. GMR Airports Limited (GAL), a subsidiary of GMR Infrastructure, has struck a seven-year exclusive concession agreement to run the duty free business at Kannur International Airport in Kerala. This is the first duty free concession managed by GMR outside its own airport portfolio.

Under its deal with Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL), GMR Airports will design, finance and operate the stores. There is an extension option for three further years.

With its beaches, forestry and wildlife, Kannur is a popular tourism destination in northern Kerala. Many workers from the Kannur region are employed in the Middle East, with Kannur international Airport offering a connection point.

Kannur International, a facility that is just over a year old, where GMR Airports is set to run the duty free business

GMR Airports Executive Director – South SGK Kishore said: “We are very happy to be partnering with KIAL to develop, operate and manage the duty free outlets at Kannur International Airport. As one of the leading private airport developer-operators globally, GMR Airports has a strong track record of creating and delivering world-class airports and airport travel retail offerings including duty free outlets at major airports such as Delhi and Hyderabad.

“We are excited about the potential of Kannur International Airport and our aim is to bring best-in-class brands, offers and shopping experience to our passengers that are on par with the best globally.”

Kannur Airport began operations in December 2018, reaching the one million passenger mark within nine months. It handled around 1.14 million passengers between April 2019 and November 2019, of which 540,000 were international.

Kannur city is the administrative headquarters of the Kannur District and situated 518km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

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