Kochi International Airport(COK): Terminals, Facilities and Nearby Tourist Destinations

Table of Content:

1. Kochi Airport: History
2. Kochi Airport Terminals
3. Facilities At Cochin Airport
4. Owner of Kochi Airport
5. Connectivity Between Kochi Kerala Airport And The City
6. Tourist Destinations Near International Airport Cochin

Can you guess the name of the first fully solar-powered airport in the World? To your surprise, it is Kochi Airport. It is also one of India's first airports, developed under a private partnership. The Kochi Airport is also known as Cochin Airport, and  is located in Nedumbassery, Kerala, at a distance of 40km from Kochi city centre. 

Kochi Airport, an International airport, is Kerala's largest and busiest airport. It is the epitome of sustainable air travel and has set a benchmark for other airports in India and the World. International Airport Cochin is known to deliver world-class uninterrupted domestic and international air service and offers a seamless experience to travellers. So fasten your seatbelts and let the exploration begin to know everything about the Kochi airport.

Kochi Airport: History

The legacy of the Kochi airport finds its roots in the British Raj. The British Residency of the Kochi Kingdom laid the foundation of the Cochin domestic airport in 1936. With time and advancement, it was developed into an international airport after 1980. 

Today, the Kerala Kochi Airport is equipped with world-class amenities and facilities that provide hassle-free and memorable experiences to travellers. It is a gateway of wonder and enchantment for world travellers. 

Kochi Airport Terminals

International Airport Cochin is one of the largest international airports in India that connects famous and emerging international destinations to Kerala, in particular and to India, in general. In addition to offering International air travel service, Kerala Kochi Airport brings many Indian cities closer to Kerala’s natural beauty and landscape.. 

It is home to the first heritage terminal of the country, representing the rich culture and tradition of Kerala. Cochin Airport has the following terminals. 

• Domestic Terminal: Cochin domestic airport terminal, also known as Terminal 1, has arrival and departure areas for domestic flights connecting Kochi with other major cities. The domestic terminal of Kochi Airport is equipped with advanced services like Baggage trolleys, Restaurants and bars, Bank and Currency Exchange, to name a few. 

• Business Jet Terminal: International Airport Cochin has a business Jet terminal to handle domestic and International business jets. It is equipped with advanced services like private car parking spaces, a lounge, a lobby, and video conferencing rooms, to name a few. 

• International Terminal: Cochin International Airport arrival terminal, also known as Terminal 3, was inaugurated in 2017, and it is responsible for handling international flights. International Airport cochin terminal 3 has the following levels: 

1. Ground floor 

2. First floor

3. Departure facility area

4. Departure area
   

At Cochin International Airport Terminal 3, 15 real-size fibre elephants are the centre of attraction, inspired by the Thrissur Pooram festival. 

• Cargo Terminal: Kochi Airport also has a cargo terminal, which covers an area of more than 1,20,000 sq ft. 

Also Read: Kerala Registration Portal Services Online

Facilities At Cochin Airport

One of Kerala’s Airports, International Airport Cochin, is one of the busiest airports in the World. It makes every arrival and departure a memorable experience due to its best-in-the-industry facilities. Its services aim to deliver a priceless travel experience. International and domestic airport Kochi is equipped with the following facilities:

• There is free wifi service, which is available for 30 minutes.

• There is a self-baggage drop facility at Cochin domestic airport terminal 1

• International travellers can avail of lounge service at Cochin International Airport Terminal 3. Domestic travellers can enjoy this service at Terminal 1. 

• There is a paid-parking facility for different vehicles at Kochi, Kerala, airport. 

• You can avail of the paid baggage wrapping service to provide extra protection for your luggage.

• The domestic terminal of Cochin Airport houses 5 guest rooms. 

• Terminal 3 of the International Airport Cochin has a chargeable cloakroom facility. 

• In addition to the above facilities, other facilities at the international airport include a bank and Currency Exchange, Lost and found luggage desk, ATM Machines, Shopping stores, Restaurants, and cafeterias, to name a few. 
  

Interesting Read: India’s 1st Water Metro in Kochi

Owner of Kochi Airport 

International Airport Cochin, Kerala, is the first airport that was built under a public-private partnership. The Cochin International Airport Limited has a stake of 68.58%, whereas the share of the Kerala government is 32.42%

Connectivity Between Kochi Kerala Airport And The City

Kochi Airport is a gateway to the wonders of Kochi. Located on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula, Kochi is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east. Popularly known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Cochin attracts thousands of tourists from all over the World as it hosts serene beaches, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant weather.

The below-mentioned modes of transportation are available between the Kerala Kochi Airport and Kochi. 

• Taxi: A taxi is the most convenient mode of transportation to reach Kochi. From Cochin Airport, it takes 60 minutes to reach the main city. The taxi service is available 24x7. You can book airport taxis and private taxis to Kochi.
  

• Bus: If you are looking for an affordable transportation option between Kochi and Cochin airport, then opt for the bus. However, there is no direct bus between the airport and Kochi City. First, you have to take the Kochi metro to Aluva metro station, and from there, you have to take a bus. It will take around 25 minutes to reach Kochi Airport by bus.
  

• Train: Angamali Railway Station, which is 5.4km from Kochi airport, is the nearest railway station to Kochi.
  

• Metro: The Kochi Metro stations, namely Pulinchodu Metro Station, Aluva Metro Station, Muttom Metro Station, and Companypady Metro Station, are the nearest to the domestic airport in Kochi. You can take a bus or a cab from the stations to Kochi International Airport.
  

Also Read: 10 Busiest Airports in India

Tourist Destinations Near International Airport Cochin

Kochi is blessed with historical sites and natural wonders. It has something for every tourist. There are 5 captivating destinations that you can visit near the Cochin airport.

• Kalady

• Kodanad

• Paniyeli Poru Waterfalls

• Malayattor

• Athirapally

Interesting Read: 10 Biggest Airports in India

Final Words

Kochi Airport not only aims to provide a seamless experience but also strives to leave a lasting impression in the minds of domestic and international travellers. It reflects sustainable air travel, rich history, and world-class amenities.