Cochin International Airport- Terminals, Facilities and More

Cochin International Airport is located in the city of Kochi and is the busiest airport in the state. It is the first fully solar-powered airport in Kerala, having the capacity to handle tons of passengers and wide-bodied aeroplanes with ease. From the moment passengers step inside the airport until they step out, the Cochin International Airport provides lasting memories. The airport is constantly witnessing a steady growth in the number of passenger engagement and international flights.

As one of the largest air transition hubs in Kerala, Cochin International Airport has a lot of interesting information that we have covered below. 

About Cochin International Airport

A splendid addition to the air travel infrastructure, Cochin International Airport has set a remarkable benchmark by being the world’s first-ever ‘Fully Solar Powered’ airport. This lively airport is the third busiest airport in India in terms of international passenger movement and the seventh largest in total passenger volume. Serving the city of Kochi in the state of Kerala, the Cochin International Airport is around 30 km northeast of the city centre. It has been delivering unlimited foolproof services for 22+ years. 

This greenfield airport is a first-of-its-kind, built under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in the country, with equity participation from the public, airport users, NRIs, airport service providers and the Government of Kerala. Planned and developed from scratch, the Cochin International Airport is known for setting a novel idea in the city’s infrastructural development. 

Location: Cochin International Airport is located in the Nedumbassery area, which is approximately 30 km off Cochin (Kochi) city. 

Infrastructure: Sprawling across a vast area of 1300 acres, the Cochin International Airport holds the advantage of having a solar-powered infrastructure. 

Airlines: Connecting 31+ countries, the Cochin International Airport has 25+ airlines operating currently. Some of them are Silk Air, Qatar Airways, Air India Express, Air Asia, Emirates etc. 

Awards: Cochin International Airport has bagged many excellent awards, a few of which are the State Pollution Control Board Excellence Award- 2018, Business Today – BEST SME Award- 2016, UN’s ‘Champion of Earth’ Award- 2018 for being the first airport in the world fully operating on solar energy, etc. 

Who Owns Cochin International Airport?

Being developed under the Public Private Partnership model, the Government of Kerala is the single largest investor in the Cochin International Airport, having a 32.42 % share. The Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala is the chairman of the company. 

How to Reach Cochin International Airport?

Cochin International Airport is well-connected by different modes of transport. Kochi boasts beautiful islands, white sand beaches, heritage museums and plenty of fascinating attractions. So, when visiting this splendid city, you have multiple transportation options to get from Ernakulam (Cochin City Centre) to Cochin International Airport. 

• Taxi or Private Shuttle: Cochin Airport Taxi or Private Shuttle is the most reliable and easiest way to travel from the city centre to the airport. The taxis offer flawless 24*7 door-to-door transportation service, helping you cover a distance of around 30 km and reach the airport in under 60 minutes.

•  Bus: If you have a limited budget and are hunting for an affordable way to reach Cochin International Airport from the city centre, you can opt for the bus service. Unfortunately, there is no direct public transportation route from Ernakulam to Cochin International Airport. But you can still manage to cover the distance by taking a metro from Ernakulam Metro Station to Aluva Metro Station, which takes around 55 minutes, then getting a bus to Cochin International Airport, which will take approximately 25 minutes. The total travel time will be 1 hour 20 minutes, excluding any wait times. 

• Train: The nearest railway station around Cochin International Airport is the Angamali Railway Station, which is around 5.4 km away and takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the destination. 

• Metro: Multiple metro stations are located nearby 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). 

Cochin International Airport Terminals

Cochin International Airport boasts three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal. Out of the three passenger terminals, one is the international terminal, and two are the domestic terminals. 

Here are the brief descriptions of each terminal:

• Terminal 1: Domestic Terminal

The Domestic Terminal Complex at Cochin International Airport has remarkable arrival and departure areas sprawling across an area of 6 lakh sq. ft. This terminal has a peak hour passenger handling capacity of 4000 people. With an opulent Kerala-inspired design and architecture, the ambience of Terminal 1 is warm and welcoming. Previously, this terminal of Cochin International Airport was responsible for handling international operations. However, those operations were later moved to Terminal 3. And since then, Terminal 1 has been handling the domestic operations of the Cochin Airport. 

• Terminal 2: Business Jet Terminal 

Business Jet Terminal, i.e. Terminal 2 at Cochin International Airport, is compatible with handling the airport’s international and domestic business jet operations. With an exclusive drive-in porch, car parking space, a grand lobby and a business centre, Business Jet Terminal serve as an opulent setting for the passage of high net-worth passengers. 

• Terminal 3: International Terminal 

Since the movement of international operations from Terminal 1, Terminal 3 is responsible for handling international operations of the Cochin International Airport. The design and infrastructure of the International Terminal are sure to offer you a traditional and warm welcome. The inspiration behind the impressive design of this terminal with 15 real-size fibre elephants is the Thrissur Pooram festival. 

• Cargo Terminal 

Apart from the three passenger terminals above, the Cochin International Airport houses a Cargo Terminal that covers a floor space of 120,000 sq. ft in around 50 acres of land. This cargo village boasts four complexes: The Centre for Dry Cargo (CDC), The Centre for perishable Cargo (CPC), The Transshipment Cargo Complex and Domestic Cargo Complex. 

Cochin International Airport Facilities 

Cochin International Airport offers multiple facilities to passengers that involve the following:

• Meet and Greet: The Meet and Greet facility at Cochin International Airport is intended to offer passengers a hassle-free travel experience. This desk offers Baggage Assistance Service, Just Check-in Check-out Service and Feel Safe service. 

• Parking: Cochin International Airport offers chargeable parking facility for different types of vehicles, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers and bus/traveller parking. 

• Lounges: Cochin International Airport has three VIP lounges at the Terminal 3 departure area and one VIP lounge at the Terminal 3 arrival area. Moreover, the airport hosts two  VIP lounges at the check-in area, two at the Terminal 1 Arrival area and one at the Security Hold area. 

• Self Baggage Drop: Self Baggage Drop facility is offered at Terminal 1 of the airport to improve the passenger’s travel experience. This facility is available only to Air India, Air Asia and Go Air passengers. 

• Baggage Wrapping: It’s a chargeable facility for extra luggage protection. This facility costs Rs. 350/- per bag, including tax. 

• Lost and Found: Passengers can contact the terminal manager in case of mishandled baggage.

• Transportation: The Cochin International Airport offers passengers seamless transportation services to reach their destination without any hassle. The facility includes a Taxi service operated by CIALTOS, Public transport by KSRTC and Pavandooth operated by KMRL.

• Accommodation: Five guest rooms are available at the Domestic Terminal building that charges Rs. 4720/- for Suite Room and Rs. 2688/- for Deluxe Room, including tax. 

• Cloak Room: The facility operates at International Terminal (T3) arrival, the area beside Gate-1 Alpha. It’s a chargeable service that is available 24*7. 

• Other Facilities: Apart from the facilities stated above, Cochin International Airport offers some other facilities as well that, includes Mama-friendly Rooms, Prayer Rooms, Wheelchair Services, ATM Machines, Charging Points, Pharmacies, Convenience Stores and Super Markets, Restaurants, Convenient Pickup Points, etc. 

Cochin International Airport Statistics

The statistics of Cochin International Airport have been represented in a tabular format below:

Top 5 Localities Around Cochin International Airport

1. Aluva

Aluva is a region in Kochi city in Kerala that offers easy access to Aluva Town, Cochin International Airport, Edapally etc. It is a nice locality close to the metro station and has all the amenities nearby, like schools, colleges, hospitals, shopping complexes etc. This beautiful and calm area houses affordable residential properties. 

2. Nedumbassery

Nedumbassery is a suburban locality of Kochi that is nestled around 25 km northeast of the city centre. Cochin International Airport is located in Nedumbassery, making it one of the highly preferred localities for prospective homebuyers. With all basic amenities like educational institutions, transport facilities, restaurants, markets and much more, Nedumbassery is a good area to live in. 

3. Angamaly

A municipality in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, Angamaly has plenty of vibrant historical sites involving churches, temples and traditional locations. Residing in this locality is relatively budget friendly, and you might easily find a reasonably priced property here. Moreover, multiple prominent hospitals, schools and retail malls are available in this area. 

4. Kaloor

Kaloor is a downtown locality in Kochi close to Ernakulam North Railway Station. This locality is famous for being home to some of the largest stadiums in the state. In recent years, Kaloor has become one of the most preferred hangout destinations for youngsters, opening several cafes, ice cream parlours, restaurants etc. The Cochin International Airport is just 25 km away from Kaloor. 

5. Kalady

Kalady is a town in the Ernakulam district of Kerala that is around 5 km from the Cochin International Airport and approximately 10 km away from the Angamali Railway Station. It is a popular pilgrim site well-known as Adi Sankaracharya’s birthplace. Kalady is a neighbourhood that celebrates culture and knowledge. 

Conclusion

Serving the city of Kochi for years, Cochin International Airport has everything to offer you an unbeatable travel experience. With three passenger terminals and one cargo terminal, all the operations are handled flawlessly by the airport authorities. From medical assistance and car rental services to childcare rooms and ATMs, passengers will surely feel delighted by each and every facility offered here. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)