Thiruvananthapuram, July 20 (IANS): Kerala's upcoming fourth international airport at Kannur will begin commercial operations by the middle of 2016, a state minister said on Monday.

"Almost 60 percent of the runway work is complete. Also, 38 per cent work on the terminal building is finished. The first aircraft will land there on December 31. The airport will commence commercial operations by the middle of 2016," Ports and Excise Minister K. Babu told reporters.

Once the airport opens in north Kerala, it will become the only state in the country with four international airports.

Babu said other works at the Rs.1,890 crore international airport were also progressing fast and tenders floated for the purchase of different equipment.

Funds for the project would come through debt and equity, with the Kerala government holding 35 percent stake.

The remaining funds would come from the Airport Authority of India, oil major Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and private participation.