Cochin International Airport, which is also known as Kochi Airport, is the busiest and largest airport in Kerala. It is situated in Nedumbassery, which is about 40 km away from the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula Kochi. Cochin Airport started its operations in 1999 for both domestic and international flights. This airport is popular because of its fully solar-powered feature. Cochin International Airport provides all the necessary facilities.
Cochin International Airport is the first airport which is built under the Public Private Partnership model. The owners are Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which has a 68.58% share. However, the Government of Kerala has 32.42% of the shares.
See also: Kochi Metro Stations: Map Details and Latest Updates
Cochin International Airport: Terminals
Cochin International Airport has three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. One of the three is the international terminal, whereas the other two are the domestic terminals.
Terminal 1: Domestic Terminal
The Domestic Terminal Complex at Cochin International Airport covers an area of 6 lakh sqft. This terminal has a passenger handling capacity of approximately 4000 people. Earlier, this terminal used to be responsible for handling international operations. However, those operations were later shifted to Terminal 3. From that time, Terminal 1 has been handling the domestic operations.
Terminal 2: Business Jet Terminal
The Business Jet Terminal at Cochin International Airport handles international and domestic business jet operations. It has a drive-in porch, car parking space, a grand lobby and a business centre.
Terminal 3: International Terminal
Currently, Terminal 3 is responsible for handling international operations of the Cochin International Airport. The design and infrastructure of the Cochin International Terminal provide a warm welcome with a traditional vibe. The inspiration behind the design of this terminal is the Thrissur Pooram festival.
Cargo Terminal
The Cochin International Airport has a Cargo Terminal covering a floor space of 120,000 sqft. It has four complexes: The Centre for Dry Cargo (CDC), The Centre for Perishable Cargo (CPC), The Transshipment Cargo Complex and the Domestic Cargo Complex.
Cochin International Airport: Facilities
Meet and greet
The Meet and Greet facility at Cochin International Airport offers passengers a hassle-free travel experience. This desk also offers Baggage Assistance Service, Just Check-in Check-out Service and Feel Safe service.
Parking
Cochin International Airport provides a chargeable parking facility for vehicles, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers and bus parking.
Lounges
Cochin International Airport has three VIP lounges at the Terminal 3 departure area. There is one VIP lounge at the Terminal 3 arrival area. The airport has more VIP lounges at the check-in area, Terminal 1 Arrival area and one at the Security Hold area.
Self baggage drop
A baggage Drop facility is provided at Terminal 1 to improve the passenger’s experience. This facility is limited to Air India, Air Asia and Go Air passengers.
Baggage wrapping
This is a chargeable facility for extra luggage protection. It costs Rs. 350/- per bag, including tax.
Lost and found
All passengers can contact the terminal manager if there is any mishandled baggage case.
Transportation
The airport provides passengers with a seamless transportation service to reach their destination. The facility includes a Taxi service operated by CIALTOS, Public transport by KSRTC and Pavandooth operated by KMRL.
Accommodation
There are five guest rooms available at the Domestic Terminal building that charge Rs. 4720/- for Suite Room and Rs. 2688/- for Deluxe Room, including tax.
Other facilities
Apart from the above facilities, Cochin International Airport offers other facilities, including mama-friendly rooms, prayer rooms, wheelchair services, ATMs, charging points, pharmacies, supermarkets, restaurants, convenient pickup points, etc.
How to reach Cochin International Airport?
Taxi / Private shuttle
Cochin International Airport Taxi or private shuttle is one of the easiest ways to reach from the city centre to the airport. These taxis provide flawless door-to-door transportation service. It helps you cover a distance of around 30 km and reach the airport in under 1 hour.
Metro
There are various metro stations located near the Cochin International Airport. Some of them are Pulinchodu Metro Station (12.4 km), Aluva Metro Station (11 km), Muttom Metro Station (15.1 km) and Companypady Metro Station (13.5 km).
Bus
If you have a tight budget and are looking for an affordable way to reach Cochin International Airport from the city centre, you can opt for the bus. There is no direct transportation route from Ernakulam to Cochin International Airport. However, you can still cover the distance by taking a metro from Ernakulam Metro Station to Aluva Metro Station, which takes around 55 minutes, then taking a bus to Cochin International Airport. This will take approximately 25 minutes. The total travel time will be around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Train
The nearest railway station is the Angamali Railway Station. It is around 5.4 km away and takes around 15 minutes to get to the destination.
FAQs
Are Kochi and Cochin International Airport the same?
Yes, Kochi and Cochin International Airport are the same, and these names are often used interchangeably.
Who owns Cochin International Airport?
Being built under the Public Private Partnership model, the Government of Kerala is the largest investor in Cochin International Airport, having a share of 32.42%.
Who manages the Cochin International Airport?
Kochi Airport is managed by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). The Chairman of the CIAL is the Chief Minister of Kerala, whosoever is ruling the state.
Is the Cochin International Airport busy?
Yes, Cochin International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in India.
Which airport is the biggest in India?
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, is the biggest airport in India, as it covers around 5945 acres.
Is there any wheelchair service available at Cochin International Airport?
Yes, Cochin International Airport offers wheelchair services for passengers needing special assistance.
Which metro stations are located near Cochin International Airport?
Some of the metro stations located near Cochin International Airport are Pulinchodu Metro Station (12.4 km), Aluva Metro Station (11 km), Muttom Metro Station (15.1 km), and Companypady Metro Station (13.5 km).
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Khushi Jha, a graduate in history and political science from the University of Delhi, doesn’t restrict herself to a single domain. Her passion for writing has led her to explore a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from fashion, health and lifestyle to technology, real estate and finance. She has written for platforms like TheVoiceOfWoman, Techsunk, Fitmist and Menskool, among others. When free, she enjoys reading books, including fiction, history and geopolitics.
Related Posts
Delhi Metro rail network in 2023.
Golden Quadrilateral Super Highways: Route and construction details.
Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project: Route, map and status.
Maa Flyover Kolkata: Facts, Connectivity, Impact On Realty.
Gadkari lays foundation stone for highway projects of Rs 8,000 cr in UP.
Delhi Metro Brown Line: Route, Stations and the Latest Update.
