[1] The Sabarimala temple, situated on the Western Ghats in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district and is one of India's holiest shrines, which attracts nearly around 50 million visitors each season.

The increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the temple had prompted the government to look at an airport as an option to reduce traffic congestion during the pilgrimage season.

Louis Berger submitted a techno-economic feasibility study and environmental impact assessment of the proposed greenfield airport in December 2018.

[11] However, the consultancy did not conduct the environment impact assessment (EIA) as the state had not taken a final decision on the project including that of land acquisition.

[12] In December 2019, the state government appointed V. Thulasidas, the managing director of Kannur International Airport Ltd. (KIAL) as the special officer for the project.