Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has posted its highest-ever annual profit, crossing the ₹500 crore mark for the first time as it looks to tap new growth opportunities in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.
For the financial year ended March 31, 2026, CIAL reported a net profit of ₹502 crore, up from ₹499 crore in the previous financial year. Total revenue rose 6.6 percent year-on-year to ₹1,220 crore.
The company’s board of directors has also recommended a 55 percent dividend for the financial year, subject to approval at the annual general meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for September.
One of the key decisions taken by the board was to diversify into airport consultancy, leveraging CIAL’s experience in airport development and operations.
The move comes as India prepares for a major expansion of its airport infrastructure. More than ₹50,000 crore is expected to be invested in the country’s airport sector over the next decade, creating opportunities not only for airport operators but also for specialised service providers.
CIAL plans to offer consultancy services covering several aspects of airport development and operations, including:
Airport master planning
Runway development
Cargo infrastructure
Ground handling
Duty-free operations
Commercial development
Airport real estate management
The company expects its operational experience to give it an advantage as it seeks consultancy assignments from airports across the country.
CIAL handled 1.14 crore passengers during 2025-26, along with 73,134 aircraft movements.
The airport continued to handle more than one crore passengers for the fourth consecutive financial year, highlighting sustained passenger growth despite the challenging operating environment faced by the aviation industry.
The latest financial performance also strengthens CIAL’s position as one of India’s leading airport companies outside the major metropolitan hubs.
The board meeting was the first held under the chairmanship of Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
Ministers PK Kunhalikutty and Roji M. John joined the board as directors.
The meeting was attended by chief secretary Bishwanath Sinha, Bharat Bhushan, Aruna Sundararajan, MA Yusuff Ali, NV George, Varghese Jacob and CIAL managing director S Suhas.
With record profitability and a new consultancy business on the horizon, CIAL is seeking to expand beyond its traditional airport operations and position itself to benefit from India’s next phase of aviation infrastructure growth.