Cochin International Airport Guide
Cochin International Airport serves Kochi and central Kerala from Nedumbassery, about 25 km northeast of the city centre. It opened in May 1999 as India's first airport built and financed without central government funds, using a public-private partnership structure that later Indian airports would copy. The airport now carries more than 63% of Kerala's total air passenger traffic, making it the state's busiest gateway by a wide margin.
In August 2015 the airport commissioned a 12-megawatt solar power plant beside the runway, becoming the first airport in the world to run entirely on solar energy. Successive expansions since then have lifted total solar capacity to around 50 megawatts, and the plant continues to offset the airport's electricity use.
Kerala's large expatriate population in the Gulf drives heavy demand on Middle East routes, alongside domestic links across India. Under its ongoing "CIAL 2.0" programme, the airport has been upgrading digital processing systems and expanding terminal capacity to handle rising traffic.
Services
4 of 6 availableCompare 9 listed options at Cochin International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Cochin International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 11M passengers (2025)1 runwayopened 1999
- Location
- 10.151, 76.401
- Operator
- Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), with the Government of Kerala as a minority shareholder
Terminals
3 terminalsCochin International Airport has 3 passenger terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, handling both international and domestic flights for around 10 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Terminal 1Domestic
IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet
- Terminal 2Private
- Terminal 3International
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Saudia, Gulf Air, Air India Express, IndiGo
Nearby cities
3 citiesCochin International Airport is closest to Kochi (25 km southwest), and also serves Thrissur, Alappuzha and other nearby areas. With 3 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Kochi25 km southwest
- Thrissur51 km northwest
- Alappuzha84 km south
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Cochin International Airport?
What are the airport codes for Cochin International Airport?
Where is Cochin International Airport located?
Where is Cochin International Airport located?
What services are available at Cochin International Airport?
What services are available at Cochin International Airport?
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