Kerala, fondly referred to as the “Divine Abode,” is a highly frequented destination that offers an abundance of attractions for travelers seeking an extraordinary vacation. This celestial paradise is also known as the ‘Land of Exotic Spices’ and is a preferred mecca for food enthusiasts. Travelers flock to this incredible coastal haven to indulge in unparalleled gastronomic experiences. Moreover, this enchanting Indian state captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring beaches and tropical backwaters, tranquil houseboat cruises, and lush forests.
In the last ten years, the Kerala Government has placed heightened emphasis on infrastructure development to increase tourism. In addition to the conservation and preservation of heritage sites, the government is ardently working to improve air connectivity, ensuring a rewarding travel experience for both national and international visitors. One of the latest initiatives is the inauguration of the Kannur International Airport, the fourth airport in Kerala. To ensure an effortless and extraordinary journey, we present to you a comprehensive list of the airports in Kerala.
4 Active International Airports In Kerala
Kerala is the only Indian state that boasts four operational international airports. Here, we provide all the essential information about the airports in Kerala, connecting this “Divine Abode” to various corners of the world.
1. Cochin Airport
Situated in Nedumbassery, approximately 25 km from the city center, Cochin Airport in Kerala holds the distinction of being the world’s first airport to solely rely on solar energy. This airport, powered by solar energy, was developed through a public-private partnership and received funding from 10,000 NRIs. With a total solar power capacity of 40 MWp, the airport fulfills its daily energy requirements of around 1.52 lakh units. In 2018, the airport was honored with “The Champions of the Earth Award,” the highest environmental recognition bestowed by the United Nations, in recognition of its commitment to environmental sustainability. The Air Passengers Association of India also acknowledged Cochin Airport as the best non-metro airport in the country in 2017.
As the largest airport in Kerala, Cochin Airport encompasses three terminals that cater to both domestic and international flights. The third terminal (T3), inaugurated in March 2017, is nearly two and a half times larger than the other two terminals. The airport also operates a cargo terminal. It is undoubtedly the premier airport in Kerala.
International flights from Cochin Airport connect travelers to renowned destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Singapore, Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, and Riyadh. Additionally, domestic flights are available to several Indian states, including Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam. Cochin Airport is also acclaimed as one of the cleanest and meticulously maintained airports in India.
Apart from being a vital airport in Kerala, it offers an array of options that will delight travelers like never before. The airport is a perfect shopping haven, featuring a diverse range of fashion and travel accessories, exquisite wines and beers, delectable chocolates, premium spirits, cutting-edge electronics, exquisite cosmetics, and luxurious perfumes.
Location: Airport Road, Kochi, Kerala
Code: COK
Terminals: 3 – Domestic, International, Executive, and 1 Cargo terminal
Area: Approximately 1300 acres
Elevation: 5 meters
Facilities:
- Bank & ATM
- Gift and Curio Shops
- Reserved Lounge
- Restaurant
- Snack Bar
- Conference Halls
- Roofed Car Park
- Spa
- Wheelchairs for Disabled
- Prepaid Taxi Counters
Nearby Hotels: Lotus 8, Abad Airport Hotel, Courtyard By Marriott, Quality Airport Hotel, Flora Airport Hotels, and Sapphire Inn.
Nearest Tourist Attractions: Maritime Aquascapers, Suvarnodyanam Biological Park, CIAL Golf Course, Snehatheeram Beach Sreebhoothapuram, St. Joseph’s Church.
2. Trivandrum International Airport
Situated just 7 km from the heart of the city, Trivandrum International Airport stands as one of India’s busiest airports. Declared as Kerala’s first international airport by Prime Minister V.P.Singh in 1991, it holds the distinction of being the country’s primary airport and the second airport worldwide to proudly showcase the IATA airport code “TRV”. Travelers looking to explore the southern regions of Kerala, such as Kovalam and Varkala, can conveniently board a flight from this airport.
Undoubtedly the finest international airport in Kerala, it serves as a major gateway for tourists heading to Middle Eastern and South-Eastern countries, including Dubai, Oman, Singapore, Sharjah, Bahrain, Mahe, and Colombo. Not only does it cater to the needs of international travelers, but it also operates as a pilot training center. Featuring 2 terminals, the airport has the capacity to handle around 1.95 million passengers every year. Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights while Terminal 2 takes care of the international ones.
Complete with the latest amenities and cutting-edge technology, Trivandrum International Airport serves as Kerala’s greatest asset. Visitors from 44 countries can also avail the Visa on Arrival (VOA) facility at this airport. Additionally, it serves as the aviation base for the Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard, and is home to the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology.
Trivandrum International Airport also facilitates various cargo activities under the management of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE). Major cargo airlines, including Emirates, have initiated services to this airport. The premises house a warehouse capable of handling imports of 21,000 MT and exports of 27,000 MT annually. Currently, the airport handles cargo from Srilankan and Saudia cargos.
Location: Airport Road, Chacka, ThiruvananthapuramCode: TRVTerminals: 2 – Domestic and InternationalArea: Approximately 700 acresElevation: 4 mFacilities:
- Dining establishments and cafés
- ATMs and Currency Exchange
- Child Care Room
- Duty-Free
- Designated Smoking Area
- Baggage Trolleys
- Executive Lounge
- Car Parking
- Wheelchairs for disabled individuals
Nearby Accommodations: Akhil Classic, Hotel SPS Kingsway, Uday Suites – The Garden Hotel, Fortune Hotel The South Park, Greenfield Inn, and Hotel Highland.Closest Tourist Attractions: Shangumugham Beach, Vettukadu Beach, Central Mall, Trivandrum, Sree Panchami Devi Temple
3. Calicut International Airport
Also referred to as Kozhikode Airport or Karipur Airport, this air station ranks as the third busiest airport in Kerala and the seventh largest international airport in the country. Located just 28 km from the center of Kozhikode, it is one of the leading international airports in Kerala, boasting state-of-the-art facilities. Although the airport was inaugurated in 1988, it gained international status on 2 February, 2006. It maintains strong connections to various foreign destinations, including Kuwait, Doha, Muscat, Bahrain, Dubai, and more. Calicut International Airport comprises of two terminals and serves as a major base for Air India Express.
Due to the imposing valleys that encircle it, the Airport Authority of India has implemented a specialized runway lead-in-lighting system at this airport to improve visibility during cloudy and nighttime conditions. This makes it the first airport in the nation to adopt such measures. If one intends to visit locations in North Kerala, such as Wayanad and Kannur, then the Kozhikode Airport is an ideal choice. Without a doubt, Calicut Airport stands as the premier international airport in Kerala.
With an annual number of approximately 3 million passengers, this international airport serves as a significant point of pride for many residing in Kerala. Amongst all of Kerala’s airports, Calicut Airport is one of three in India that features a tabletop runway constructed on hilly terrain.
Location: Calicut Airport P.O, Calicut Airport Road, KaripurCode: CCJTerminals: 2 – Domestic and InternationalArea: 1300 acresElevation: 104 mFacilities:
- Flemingo Duty-Free
- Child Care Room
- Wheelchair service
- Currency Exchange
- Banking services /ATM counters
- Food & Drinks
- Executive Lounge
- Car Parking
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Business Center
- Meditation Room
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Afrad International, Zahir Residency, Pushpak Hotel, Nuhman Tourist Home, Park Residency, Le Moshe Inn, and Hotel Select.Nearest Tourist Attractions: Karippur Airport ViewPoint, DREAM VALLEY, Kalarandi Waterfalls, Cobra waterfalls, Mini Ooty, Cheruppadi Mala, Super Bazar
4. Kannur International Airport
Crafted using cutting-edge infrastructure and technology, Kannur International Airport stands as the second greenfield airport birthed from the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Opened on December 9, 2018, by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister of Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, this airport marks Kerala’s fourth international flight hub. It lies approximately 25 km away from the main city of Kannur and 3 km from the town of Mattanur in Kerala. The airport has even been granted a LEED Gold Certificate for its dedication to energy conservation and environmental preservation. The integrated passenger terminal building, boasting an expansive area of over 95,000 sqm, stands as India’s eighth-largest structure, outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities.
Aside from highlighting the magnificent cultural traditions of Malabar and Kannur, the airport also showcases the rich and varied heritage of Kodagu in Karnataka. One of the main attractions here is the striking mural paintings that depict various dance forms of India, including Theyyam, Kathakali, and Yakshagana.
This swanky airport has been constructed to provide unparalleled connectivity for Keralites, migrants, and avid travelers alike. It offers domestic flights to major cities across India, such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram.
In the near future, the airport will house an aviation institution established by the Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy and Technology, as well as an enclave for the Indian Navy. Plans are in motion to extend the present runway from 3,050 meters to an impressive 4,000 meters, placing the airport in the esteemed group of long-runway airports. Another notable feature of Kannur airport is the Instrument Landing System (ILS), imported from Norway, which aids in precise aircraft landings.
With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technology, this airport stands among the finest in Kerala, providing unparalleled connectivity to both the country and the world. Nevertheless, the airport is still awaiting the license required to commence commercial flights.
Location: The airport is situated in Mattannur, on the Kannur – Mattannur Road in Kerala.
Code: The airport’s code is CNN.
Terminals: There are two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international flights.
Area: The airport covers an expansive area of 2330 acres.
Elevation: The airport is located at an elevation of 76 meters.
Facilities:
- A convenient pre-paid Taxi Car service is available for passengers.
- A dedicated Baby Care room is provided for the comfort of parents and their infants.
- Passengers can make use of the free baggage trolleys at the airport.
- ATM counters are available for cash withdrawal and other banking services.
- Money exchange services are provided for international travelers.
- A fully equipped Medical room is available for any emergency medical assistance.
- Ample parking space is available for private vehicles.
- A variety of food courts offer delicious dining options.
- The airport features six aero bridges for convenient boarding and disembarking.
- A comfortable and well-appointed Lounge area is provided for the relaxation of passengers.
- A range of retail shops are available for shopping enthusiasts.
- Duty-Free shops offer a wide selection of products.
Nearby Hotels: Aroma Resort Mattanur, Hotel Sky Park, Vintage Residency, Kairali Heritage, Central Avenue, Hotel Golf Inn, and Green Park Residency are some of the hotels located in close proximity to the airport.
Nearest Tourist Attractions: Explore the beauty of Areekkal waterfalls, Pazhassi water authority, Kuyiloor Valavu, Palukachippara View Point, and Puralimala View Point, which are located near the airport.
Kerala is renowned for its warm hospitality and these airports provide top-notch services to both domestic and international passengers. If you are planning a trip to Kerala, also known as “God’s own country,” make sure to gather ample information about these airports to ensure a seamless travel experience.
For information on our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports In Kerala
How many airports are there in Kerala?
Currently, Kerala has four operational international airports – Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Additionally, the Kerala Government has announced the construction of a fifth international airport, Kottayam International Airport, near Erumely at Cheruvally Estate.
