Flying into Tomorrow: CIAL's Ambitious Projects and Sustainable Initiatives

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the world's pioneering solar-powered airport, is preparing for new challenges after successfully accommodating 10 million passengers in the calendar year 2023. The company is strategically navigating the future, aligning with its developmental vision of 'Flying into Tomorrow.'

Embarking on an ambitious journey, CIAL oversees a portfolio of 163 ongoing projects, with 9 deemed highly prestigious and critical to its expansive plans. The aim is to bolster infrastructure, including a partnership with the renowned IHCL (TAJ) group for constructing a 5-star hotel, a new transit accommodation, renovated cargo terminals, utilising commercial spaces, and adding aircraft parking bays. Additionally, the airport envisions becoming a major hub for aircraft maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) services for both domestic and foreign carriers.

As the fourth busiest airport in the country for international traffic, CIAL initiated a significant phase of infrastructure development by unveiling seven mega projects simultaneously.

Expansion of International Terminal: The plan involves a new apron at the northern flank of the existing pier of terminal-3, covering 15 lakh square feet, and a terminal expansion of 5 lakh square feet. This phase marks a substantial increase in aircraft parking bays to 44, including 8 additional aerobridges.

The new import cargo terminal: This project catapults CIAL's annual cargo capacity to an impressive 2 lakh tonnes.

Construction of the country's biggest airport lounge facility: Named '0484 Luxury Aero Lounge,' this 50,000 square feet transit accommodation offers 42 guest rooms, connecting International, Domestic, and Business Jet Terminals with meeting spaces, enabling seamless business operations within the airport.

Introduction of DigiYatra: CIAL introduced a unique DigiYatra system to equip passengers for seamless and paperless airport entry. Developed by CIAL's IT & Communication department, this technology integrates with airline and airport systems and the central DigiYatra platform. Deployed at 22 gates in the domestic terminal, with Belgium-imported e-gates, it promises swift passage, eliminating manual checks.

Modernisation of Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Force (ARFF): This involves upgrading to a sophisticated AES, including two modern Austrian-made fire tenders and an array of sophisticated utility vehicles.

Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS): A robust electronic surveillance program covering 12 km of the perimeter wall with Non-Lethal Power Fence, Fiber Optic Vibration Sensors, and Thermal Cameras, connected to a Security Operations Control Centre (SOCC) ensures real-time monitoring and response.

Golf Tourism: Utilising the state's only 18-hole golf course for hospitality services, the plan includes developing waterfront cottages, a party/conference hall, sporting facilities, and a motel to unlock the full potential of golf tourism.

Besides achieving profitability in the post-pandemic era, CIAL commissioned two energy projects (a 14 MWp solar plant at Payyannur and a 4.5 MW hydro plant at Calicut) and an elegant Business Jet Terminal.

Acknowledging aviation's environmental impact, CIAL embraces responsibility by venturing into green energy projects, reducing carbon footprints. Since 2015, operating entirely on solar energy, CIAL generates 73 million units of clean energy annually, with a cumulative installed capacity of 50 MW.

CIAL anticipates becoming a hub for air traffic in South India, outlining a blueprint for activation of new routes—both international and domestic—to provide diverse travel options and promote regional air travel. These connections are expected to contribute significantly to the overall growth and accessibility of Cochin International Airport. As the only airport in the state and the fourth in South India handling 10 million passengers annually, CIAL, with its recent mega projects, is well-prepared to accommodate future traffic growth.