Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has crossed the one crore passenger milestone for the fourth consecutive financial year, underlining the steady growth of Kerala’s busiest airport despite disruptions in the global aviation sector.
During the financial year 2025-26, the airport handled 1,14,42,583 passengers and recorded 73,134 aircraft movements, a CIAL handout noted. The airport achieved the milestone even as several airlines faced operational constraints and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affected parts of international aviation traffic during February and March.
The airport recorded a 2.2 percent growth in passenger traffic compared with the previous financial year.
May 2025 emerged as the busiest month of the year for the Kochi-based airport, with passenger traffic crossing 11 lakh. Total passenger movement during the month stood at 11,07,184.
Of the total passengers handled during 2025-26, international passengers accounted for 54,01,939, while domestic traffic stood at 60,40,644, indicating balanced growth across both segments.
The airport authorities said traffic remained stable throughout the year despite disruptions linked to operational issues faced by certain airlines and temporary geopolitical uncertainties affecting Middle East air travel.
According to CIAL managing director S Suhas, the airport’s sustained growth was supported by improvements in infrastructure, passenger facilitation and operational efficiency under the “CIAL 2.0” transformation programme.
He said modernisation initiatives have improved passenger convenience through technology-enabled services and faster processing systems, helping the airport manage rising passenger volumes efficiently.
CIAL has also introduced full-body scanners on a trial basis to strengthen aviation security and reduce the need for extensive physical screening.