The two-day aviation summit held at Kochi on August 23 and 24, urged the Kerala government to tap the state's tremendous potential to become an aviation hub. The summit, organised by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), highlighted how aviation, tourism and logistics could together drive long-term growth.
While Kerala’s economy has long leaned on tourism, experts at the summit underlined that aviation could be the next driver if the state strengthens airport infrastructure, increases international connectivity and promotes regional air travel. Sustainability was another recurring theme, with participants pointing to the need for greener practices across the sector.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) was repeatedly flagged as central to this vision. From opening new flight routes to cargo expansion, industry insiders speculated that CIAL could anchor Kerala’s efforts to connect with global hubs.
CIAL managing director S Suhas told the closing ceremony that the summit’s key outcome was the realisation of Kerala’s still untapped potential. He added that the recommendations from the discussions would be considered for action.
Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar, who was the chief guest, remarked that CIAL had already shown the world how public-private partnership could be effectively managed, and said the airport would continue to play a role in Kerala’s wider economic growth.
Dhaval Raut, director of mobility and logistics at KPMG, presented a report at the summit. FICCI Kerala head Savio Mathew and CIAL airport director G Manu also spoke at the closing ceremony.
The summit carried the slogan “Giving Wings to Kerala”, but its conclusion also hinted at a larger ambition: that the state may now be looking to place itself more firmly on the global aviation map.
