Travelers intending to fly from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on October 20 are advised to prepare for a significant disruption in flight services. The airport management has officially announced that all flight operations will be suspended for a five-hour window, beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until 9 p.m. The temporary closure is necessitated by the traditional 'Alpassi Arattu' procession organized by the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which traverses through the operational area surrounding the airport.
This annual event is a deeply rooted cultural practice in the state capital, and its passage requires the temporary cessation of aviation activities to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the ritual. Authorities have urged the public to plan their travel arrangements well in advance to avoid potential inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations or rescheduling during this specific afternoon and evening timeframe.
Beyond the impact on air travel, the Thiruvananthapuram City Police has issued a comprehensive advisory regarding traffic regulations that will be enforced throughout the city. These traffic measures are scheduled to be in effect from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the day of the procession. The restrictions are designed to manage the flow of devotees and participants as the procession moves toward the Shangumughom area and eventually returns.
Specific areas identified for traffic restrictions include the stretch from Vazhappally junction to Mithranandapuram and Fort School, as well as the route from the West Nada of the temple leading toward Enchakkal, Vallakkadavu, and the Arattu gate. The police have issued a clear warning that parking will be strictly prohibited on both sides of these designated roads. Authorities have confirmed that any vehicles found parked in violation of these temporary rules will be promptly removed using recovery vehicles, and legal action will be initiated against the owners of such vehicles.
Commuters should also anticipate heavy traffic congestion, particularly at the Enchakkal Junction, which serves as a critical point on the Kazhakuttom-Kovalam bypass. To mitigate gridlock, police will implement diversions starting from 3 p.m. in the vicinity of several key locations, including the West Fort, Sreekanteswaram Park, Kothalam junction, and the areas surrounding Vazhappally junction and Padmavilasam road.
For passengers who are scheduled to travel to the domestic airport at Shangumughom during the afternoon or evening, the authorities have provided specific guidance. Travelers have been strongly advised to utilize the route through Kallummoodu, Ponnara, and Valiyathura to bypass the restricted zones and the procession path. Adhering to these suggested alternative routes is expected to provide a smoother, albeit potentially slower, passage to the airport terminal area despite the festive crowds.
As the 'Alpassi Arattu' is a significant cultural event in the capital, the coordination between the airport authorities and the city police is aimed at balancing the preservation of local traditions with the operational requirements of a major international transport hub. Passengers are encouraged to stay in close communication with their respective airlines to confirm any changes to their flight schedules, as individual operators may adjust their timings significantly before or after the designated five-hour suspension window to compensate for the downtime.
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