Cochin International Airport
Cochin International Airport popularly known as Kochi International Airport or Nedumbassery Airport — is an international airport serving the city of Kochi, kerala, in southwestern India. It is located at Nedumbassery, about 25 km (16 mi) northeast of the city center. The airport is the first of its kind to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model in India. This project was funded by nearly 10,000 non-resident india from 32 countries. It is the busiest and largest airport in the state of Kerala. As of 2024, the airport caters to more than 63% of the total air passenger traffic in Kerala. It is the fifth-busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic, and the eighth busiest overall.
In 2023–2024, the airport handled more than 10.3 million passengers with a total of 67,469 aircraft movements. As of 2024, the airport is served by over 25 airline companies, carrying passengers to 31 international destinations and 22 domestic destinations.
The airport operates three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal with a total area of over 225,000 square metres (2,421,880 sq ft). In 2015, the airport became the world’s first fully solar-powered airport with the inauguration of a dedicated solar plant. For this entrepreneurial vision, the airport won the coveted Champion of earth award in 2018, the highest environmental honour instituted by the United nations. The airport was awarded The Best Airport in Asia- pacific in 2020 (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by Airports Council International.
Management
Cochin International Airport is the first in India to be built by a public-private partnership and is owned by a public limited company called Cochin International Airport Limited, better known as CIAL, created by the Government of Kerala in 1994. The Government of Kerala holds a 33.36% stake, making it the single largest investor in the project. Indian Government companies like Air India, BPCL and AAI hold an 8.74% stake, while foreign companies like Abu Dhabi based Emke Group, the Oman-based Galfar Group, UAE based Majeed Bukatara Trading holds a 5.42% stake. Indian companies hold 8.57% stake, while scheduled commercial banks like Federal Bank, SBT and Canara Bank holds 5.91%. The remaining 38.03% stake is held by more than 10,000 personal investors from 29 countries, mostly non-resident Indians.
The company has decided to go for a public offering and give 10 million shares to HUDCO as part of a debt settlement, which would to lead HUDCO having a 3.37% stake in the company and a reduction of the stake of other holders. The Chief Minister Of Kerala is the ex-officio chairman of CIAL.
Highlights
First Fully Solar-Powered Airport:
Cochin International Airport is the world’s first airport to run entirely on solar energy. This initiative has earned it recognition and awards globally.
Connectivity:
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- One of the busiest airports in India, serving domestic and international flights.
- It connects Kerala to major cities in India and international destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
Facilities:
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- Modern terminals equipped with amenities such as lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, and a well-managed transit system.
- Separate terminals for domestic and international flights to enhance passenger convenience.
Awards and Recognition:
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- Received the Champion of the Earth Award from the United Nations for its sustainable energy initiatives.
- Regularly ranks high in passenger satisfaction surveys.
Cargo and Tourism Hub:
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- A major hub for air cargo, facilitating the export of goods like seafood, spices, and other perishables.
- Plays a significant role in boosting Kerala’s tourism industry by providing easy access to the state’s cultural and natural attractions.
Infrastructure:
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- A sprawling campus featuring state-of-the-art runways, taxiways, and maintenance facilities.
- The airport city project includes business centers, a convention center, and shopping malls.