Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is taking its airport development and operational expertise beyond Kochi, launching a dedicated aviation consultancy business as part of its next phase of growth.
The move comes as CIAL shareholders approved a 55% dividend for FY2025-26 at the company’s 32nd Annual General Meeting. CIAL had earlier reported revenue of ₹1,220 crore and a record net profit of ₹502 crore for the financial year.
Keralam chief minister and CIAL chairman VD Satheesan said the company would leverage the expertise it has built over the years to provide specialised services to airports and other aviation sector stakeholders across India.
The consultancy business will operate under CIAL ACES — Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services.
The new division will offer services in areas including:
Airport planning and development
Runway development
Cargo operations
Ground handling
Commercial operations
Its first assignment will be a passenger verification system at Durgapur airport in West Bengal.
The expansion marks an effort by CIAL to monetise its technical and operational capabilities beyond managing Kochi airport, while tapping opportunities created by India's expanding aviation infrastructure.
CIAL is also planning projects aimed at transforming Kochi airport into a multimodal logistics hub, while expanding non-aeronautical revenue streams.
Other plans include developing a global convention centre associated with the airport and introducing advanced technologies to improve passenger experience.
The strategy comes as CIAL looks to diversify its revenue base beyond traditional airport operations and strengthen its role in cargo, logistics, commercial infrastructure and aviation services.
CIAL recorded ₹1,220 crore in total revenue and ₹502 crore in net profit during FY2025-26. Revenue grew 6.6% year-on-year, while annual profit crossed the ₹500-crore mark for the first time, according to the company.
During the year, the airport handled 73,134 aircraft movements and 1.14 crore passengers.
The AGM approved the board's recommendation to distribute a 55% dividend to shareholders.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated CIAL’s Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME) service, which supplies electricity to aircraft while they are parked at the airport.
CIAL said the service would be offered free of cost to aircraft using the facility, positioning it as the first such free service of its kind in India.
Minister and CIAL director Roji M John, CIAL managing director S. Suhas IAS, company secretary Rajeev K and chief financial officer Saji Daniel were among those present at the event.
