Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has once again cemented its status as Kerala's premier aviation hub by crossing the significant milestone of 10 million passengers for the third year in a row. The airport's sustained growth trajectory was highlighted by handling a total of 1.15 crore (11.5 million) passengers during the calendar year 2025.
Robust Passenger Growth Amidst Operational Shifts
The traffic figures for 2025 represent a healthy year-on-year growth of approximately 4.85% compared to the 1.09 crore passengers handled in 2024. This increase of about 5.33 lakh passengers validated the airport's consistent performance. Officials noted that the growth was balanced across both domestic and international sectors.
Interestingly, while passenger numbers climbed, aircraft movements saw a slight decrease. CIAL recorded 74,689 movements in 2025, compared to 75,074 in the previous year. This variation was attributed to a reduction in services by certain airlines. However, the continued growth in passenger traffic indicates improved load factors and more efficient operational management by the airport.
Peak Months and Sustained Performance
The airport's capacity to handle high traffic consistently throughout the year was evident in its monthly performance. May 2025 emerged as the busiest month, with passenger traffic crossing 11.07 lakh. Other high-performing months included January 2025 (10.44 lakh) and December 2025 (10.06 lakh), demonstrating robust demand across different seasons.
CIAL 2.0 Initiative Drives Enhanced Passenger Experience
Airport authorities credited the sustained growth to the successful implementation of CIAL 2.0, a comprehensive transformation initiative aimed at redefining the passenger journey. S Suhas, the Managing Director of CIAL, stated that the initiative led to significant improvements in terminal transit and overall ease of movement.
The upgrades included faster processing through digitised systems, an enhanced terminal ambience, and upgraded, technology-enabled passenger amenities. These changes collectively improved transit efficiency and elevated overall passenger satisfaction, making travel through Kochi airport smoother.
Future Plans: Security Modernisation
Looking ahead, CIAL continues to focus on innovation and security. As part of its ongoing digitisation and security modernisation programme, the airport is set to introduce full body scanners in the near future. This move is expected to further streamline security checks while maintaining high safety standards, aligning with global best practices in aviation security.
The consistent achievement of the 10-million-plus passenger mark for three consecutive years solidifies Kochi airport's pivotal role in connecting Kerala to the world and supporting the state's economic and tourism sectors.
