Kerala, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, has made air travel very easy for locals and tourists. The state boasts an impressive number of airports, making it a leader in air connectivity in India.
Kerala has four international airports, which ties it with Tamil Nadu for the most international airports of any Indian state. These airports are spread across different cities, giving people many options for flying in and out of Kerala.
The four international airports in Kerala are found in Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut, and Kannur. Each airport serves its region, making air travel convenient for people all over the state. This setup helps both tourism and business in Kerala by giving travellers easy access to different parts of the state.
Overview of Kerala’s Airports
Kerala has four international airports, making air travel easy for people in the state. These airports handle both domestic and international flights, connecting Kerala to many cities in India and abroad.
Key Facts and Figures
Kerala is one of only two Indian states with four international airports. These airports are:
- Cochin International Airport
- Calicut International Airport
- Kannur International Airport
- Trivandrum International Airport
The airports are spread across the state, giving most people in Kerala easy access to air travel. This setup helps boost tourism and business in the region.
Cochin International Airport stands out as the busiest airport in Kerala. It has three terminals that serve both domestic and international flights.
Major Domestic and International Connections
Kerala’s airports link the state to many important cities in India and abroad. Domestic flights connect Kerala to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
For international travel, the airports offer many options. They have a strong focus on Middle Eastern destinations. Flights go to cities like:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Doha
- Jeddah
- Dammam
- Muscat
These connections are vital for Kerala’s large expatriate community working in the Gulf countries. They also help bring in tourists and support the state’s growing economy.
Details of International Airports
Kerala has four international airports. These airports connect the state to many countries, mostly in the Middle East. They handle millions of passengers each year.
Cochin International Airport (Kochi)
Cochin International Airport is Kerala’s busiest airport. It opened in 1999 and was the first airport in the world to run fully on solar power. The airport has three terminals.
– T1 (Terminal 1) handles domestic flights.
– T3 (Terminal 3) is for international flights.
– T2 (Terminal 2) is currently not in use.
The airport serves many cities in India and abroad. It has flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. In 2019, it handled over 10 million passengers.
Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode)
Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur Airport, opened in 1988. It has one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
The airport is important for people from northern Kerala. It connects to many cities in the Gulf region, like Dubai, Sharjah, and Doha.
In 2019, the airport served about 3 million passengers. It has a shorter runway, which limits the types of planes that can land there.
Kannur International Airport
Kannur International Airport is the newest in Kerala. It opened in 2018. The airport has one integrated terminal for both domestic and international flights.
It serves cities in India and the Middle East. Flights go to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Muscat. The airport is growing fast and adding more routes.
In its first year, Kannur Airport handled about 1 million passengers. It has a long runway that can handle big planes.
Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram)
Trivandrum International Airport is the oldest in Kerala. It started operations in 1932. The airport has two terminals.
Terminal 1 is for domestic flights. Terminal 2 handles international flights. The airport connects to many Indian cities and Middle Eastern countries.
In 2019, it served about 4.4 million passengers. The airport is close to the city centre, making it easy for travellers to access.
Regional Airports and Connectivity
Kerala has several regional airports that boost local travel. New airports are also in the works to improve connections across the state.
Existing Regional Airports
Kerala has four main airports. Cochin International Airport is the busiest. It serves many domestic and foreign flights. Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode airports also handle lots of traffic.
Kannur International Airport opened in 2018. It’s the newest major airport in Kerala. These airports connect Kerala to other parts of India and the world.
Smaller airports like Calicut serve regional needs. They help people travel within Kerala and to nearby states.
Planned or Under-Construction Airports
Kerala plans to build more airports to meet growing travel demands. The Sabarimala International Airport is a key project. It will help pilgrims visit the famous Sabarimala temple.
Bekal Airport is another planned facility. It aims to boost tourism in northern Kerala. The state is also looking at sites for Chelari Airport.
These new airports will make travel easier. They’ll help more people visit Kerala’s beaches, hills, and backwaters.
Airport Infrastructure and Facilities
Kerala’s airports have modern infrastructure and amenities. They feature long runways, eco-friendly designs, and useful services for travellers.
Runway Specifications
Kerala’s airports have runways built to handle large aircraft. The Cochin International Airport has a 3,400-meter runway, allowing it to accommodate wide-body planes. This length lets the airport serve long-haul flights to Europe and other far-off places.
Kannur International Airport also has a long runway of 3,050 meters. This size helps it handle both domestic and international traffic.
The runways at Kerala’s airports are made of sturdy materials. They can withstand heavy use and different weather conditions. Regular upkeep keeps them in top shape for safe takeoffs and landings.
Environmental Sustainability
Kerala leads the way in green airport design. Cochin International Airport is the world’s first fully solar-powered airport. It uses over 46,000 solar panels to meet all its power needs.
Other airports in Kerala are also adopting eco-friendly practices. They focus on:
- Reducing energy use
- Recycling waste
- Using natural light
- Planting trees on airport grounds
These efforts help cut carbon emissions and lower operating costs. They also set a good example for sustainable airport management.
Traveler Amenities
Kerala’s airports offer many helpful services for passengers. They have:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange counters
- Luggage storage areas
- Clean restrooms
- Prayer rooms
Food options include both local and international cuisine. Duty-free shops sell souvenirs and luxury goods.
Tourist information counters provide maps and tips about local attractions. This helps visitors plan their trips easily.
Airports also have special services for elderly or disabled travellers. These include wheelchairs and assistance staff. Such features make travel smoother for all kinds of passengers.
Impact on Regional Development
Kerala’s airports play a big role in helping the state grow. They bring in visitors and create jobs for local people.
Boosting Tourism
Airports make it easier for tourists to visit Kerala. The state has many beautiful places to see. Beaches, hills, and backwaters attract people from all over.
More flights mean more tourists can come. This helps hotels, restaurants, and shops make money. Tour guides and taxi drivers also get more work.
The Malabar region in north Kerala is growing as a tourist spot. New air routes help people discover this area. Places like Kottayam and Idukki are now easier to reach.
Supporting Local Economies
Airports create many types of jobs. People work at the airport itself. Others find work in related businesses.
New airport projects bring money to areas like Pathanamthitta and Palakkad. Construction work gives jobs to local people. After airports open, they need staff to run them.
Farmers can send fresh products to other states quickly. This helps them sell more. Business people can travel easily to make deals. All of this leads to economic growth in Kerala.
Ground Transportation and Connectivity
Kerala’s airports offer easy access and many ways to get around. Roads, buses, and taxis link the airports to nearby cities and towns. Visitors can pick from cheap or fancy options to suit their needs.
Airport Access Routes
Kerala’s four international airports have good road links. Wide highways connect the airports to major cities and tourist spots. Cochin Airport has a six-lane road to the city. Trivandrum Airport sits right next to the city centre. Calicut and Kannur airports link to nearby towns via state highways.
Private cars and taxis are common ways to reach the airports. Many hotels offer shuttle services too. The roads are well-kept, making trips smooth. Signs point the way clearly for out-of-town guests.
Public Transport Options
Buses are a cheap way to travel from Kerala’s airports. State-run KSRTC buses go to and from all four airports. They link to spots like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode.
Pre-paid taxis wait at airport stands. Fares are set, so no need to haggle. App-based rides like Uber are also easy to book.
For longer trips, trains can be a good choice. Kochi airport has its own rail link. The others have stations nearby. Trains run to places like Kollam, Alleppey, and Varkala.
Some airports offer special services. Kochi has water taxis to reach islands in the backwaters.
Travel Experience in Kerala’s Airports
Kerala’s airports offer a unique blend of modern amenities and local culture. Travellers can expect efficient services, comfortable facilities, and a taste of Kerala’s rich heritage during their journey.
Cultural Ambiance
Kerala’s airports showcase the state’s cultural identity. Kochi International Airport, the busiest in the state, features traditional Kerala architecture in its design. Travelers can admire intricate wooden carvings and murals depicting scenes from Kerala’s history.
Local art exhibitions rotate regularly in the terminals. These displays often highlight Kerala’s famous backwaters, tea plantations in Munnar, and wildlife sanctuaries like Thekkady.
Traditional Kerala music plays softly in the background, creating a soothing atmosphere. During festivals, airports organize special cultural programs, giving travellers a glimpse of Kerala’s vibrant traditions.
Leisure Facilities
Kerala’s airports provide various amenities to enhance the travel experience. Duty-free shops offer local specialities like spices, cashews, and handicrafts. Bookstores stock a wide selection of literature about Kerala’s culture and tourist spots.
Dining options include both international chains and local restaurants serving Kerala cuisine. Travellers can savour dishes like appam, fish curry, and Kerala-style biryani before their flights.
Rest areas with comfortable seating allow passengers to relax. Some airports offer spa services for weary travellers. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations are available throughout the terminals.
Customer Service and Satisfaction
Kerala’s airports prioritize customer satisfaction. Staff members are known for their warm hospitality, reflecting the state’s reputation as “God’s Own Country.” Most employees speak multiple languages to assist international travellers.
Airlines like IndiGo offer smooth check-in processes and efficient baggage handling. Clear signage in multiple languages helps passengers navigate the airports easily.
Feedback kiosks are located throughout the terminals. Airport management regularly reviews and acts on passenger suggestions. This commitment to service has led to high satisfaction rates among travellers using Kerala’s airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kerala has several airports serving both domestic and international travellers. These airports connect the state to major cities in India and abroad.
What is the total number of airports, including domestic and international, in Kerala?
Kerala has four operational airports. All of these are international airports, capable of handling both domestic and international flights.
Can you list the international airports in Kerala?
The international airports in Kerala are:
- Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram
- Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery
- Calicut International Airport in Karipur
- Kannur International Airport
Which airport is considered the largest in Kerala?
Cochin International Airport is the largest airport in Kerala. It handles the highest number of passengers and has the most extensive facilities among Kerala’s airports.
Identify the airport that was established first in Kerala?
Trivandrum International Airport, located in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, was the first airport established in Kerala.
What is the ranking of Kerala’s airports by size and passenger traffic?
The ranking of Kerala’s airports by size and passenger traffic is:
- Cochin International Airport
- Trivandrum International Airport
- Calicut International Airport
- Kannur International Airport
Why does Kerala have multiple international airports?
Kerala has multiple international airports due to its large number of tourists and significant population working abroad. These airports facilitate easier travel for both visitors and residents.
