CIAL keep 10 million+ passenger mark for third successive year
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL)
| Photo Credit:
cueapi
Cochin International Airport Limited has once again reaffirmed its position as Kerala’s leading airport operator by handling over 10 million passengers for the third consecutive year.
The airport during January to December 2025, handled a total of 1,15,19,356 passengers, registering a healthy year-on-year growth of approximately 4.85 per cent over 2024, which recorded 1,09,86,296 passengers. The increase of approximately 5.33 lakh passengers validates the airport’s consistent ten-million-plus performance for the third consecutive calendar year and reflects balanced growth across both domestic and international sectors.
May 2025 emerged as the busiest month of the year, with passenger traffic crossing 11.07 lakh. Other high-performing months, notably January 2025 and December 2025 with 10.44 lakh and 10.06 lakhs respectively, further demonstrated CIAL’s capacity to sustain robust passenger traffic across the calendar year.
With regard to aircraft movements, CIAL recorded 74,689 movements in 2025 compared to 75,074 movements in 2024. The variation was attributable to a reduction in services by certain airlines. Yet, the passenger traffic continued to grow, reflecting improved load factors and more efficient operational management, despite the slight dip in aircraft movements.
The sustained growth in passenger traffic has been strongly supported by CIAL 2.0, the airport’s comprehensive transformation initiative aimed at redefining the passenger experience. The initiative has brought about significant improvements in terminal transit and overall ease of movement, supported by faster processing through digitised systems. Enhanced terminal ambience, upgraded, technology-enabled passenger amenities, have collectively improved transit efficiency and elevated overall passenger satisfaction, said S. Suhas, Managing Director, CIAL.
As part of its ongoing digitisation and security modernisation programme, CIAL is also set to introduce Full Body Scanners in the near future. This initiative is aimed at strengthening security screening standards while reducing physical checks, including frisking and enhancing passenger comfort in line with global aviation security benchmarks.
e.o.m.
Published on January 6, 2026
