Kochi is a city located in the south western coast line of India in the state of Kerala. The colonial name of Kochi was Cochin, and this name is still in use by a majority of the people. The city has a significant place in terms of strategic importance and is referred to as ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’
Cochin International Airport
Also known as Nedumbassery Airport, Cochin International Airport is located at Nedumbassery, near Kochi. It is the fourth busiest airport in India in number of international passengers and the busiest airport in Kerala for both domestic and international flights.
The Cochin Airport is the first international Airport in India which is incorporated as a public limited company. It has been a joint venture and people from various walks of life have helped in the establishment. The Government of Kerala, along with a large number of non resident Indians hailing from Kerala, as also various large companies have invested in it.
The Cochin Airport is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The total cost of the entire project was approximately $ 68.5 million. The airport has two terminals, one for international flights and one for domestic flights. The ground control is under the management of Air India and WFS. The government owned Bharat Petroleum supplies the fuel.
Airport fees are not charged for international passengers and the processing time for customs is quick. The Cochin Airport is stylish and clean.
With a 3400m long runway, the airport is suitable for all types of airplanes.
The Flights
In addition to flights through out India, Cochin International Airport has direct flights to many places in the Middle East and South East Asia.
The Terminals
The domestic terminal
The 100,000 square feet domestic terminal is divided into two blocks for arrivals and departures. There is a corridor that connects both these blocks. The departure hall has 20 check in counters. 5 of them are premium. There are 5 security gates and a waiting lounge with a capacity of up to 400 passengers. Business class travelers can avail of the premium waiting room.
The International terminal
The International terminal is 478 square feet in area. The departure and arrival halls can take up to 1200 passengers at one time. Non passengers have to take a guest ticket.
The waiting lounges are spacious enough to accommodate 1500 passengers at a time. There are two lounges for first class and business class travelers. 7 gates with 5 aero bridges are over here.
Shopping
C. I. A. L. has put up quite a large number of stores. The Duty-free shops at the International terminal are one of the largest in India. They are also the first full scale duty free shops in India. There is a shopping area of 13000 square feet in the arrival area, spreading over to two floors. The departure duty free is under construction.
Facilities
Both the domestic and international terminals are enabled with wireless fidelity, giving passengers free access to the internet.
A business center operates in the departure hall of the international terminal.
There are 7 retiring rooms for the convenience transit and early passengers.
A large child care room is available in the International terminal.
Free local calls can be made and postal counters are also available.
The waiting rooms have been equipped with large flat screen televisions for entertainment.
Restaurants
A large restaurant offering several cuisines is operated by Saj inside departure hall of International terminal.
The domestic and international terminals are dotted with several cafes, stalls and snack stands.
A food court is under construction in the international terminal, and a there is a large café in the domestic waiting lounge.
Future Plans
The C.I.A.L. is in possession of 440 acres of prime land. The Company has decided on a 35 billion dollar plan for commercial development. The new development will involve an 18 hole golf course, hotel chains, malls, business centers, I T parks, industrial estates and logistics centers.
Additional revenue is generated through renting advertisement space in the terminals.
