Kerala's Domestic Airport Count: A Comprehensive Overview

Kerala is a state in southern India known as God's own country for its lush landscapes and beaches. It is served by several airports, including four international airports, which are located in close proximity to each other. These airports are the Trivandrum International Airport, the Cochin International Airport, the Calicut International Airport, and the Kannur International Airport.

Kerala has four international airports, the most of any Indian state

Kerala is the only Indian state with four international airports, making it incredibly easy for residents to access air travel. The state's four international airports are:

• Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram district
• Cochin International Airport in Ernakulam district
• Calicut International Airport in Malappuram district
• Kannur International Airport in Kannur district

The first airport in Kerala, Trivandrum International Airport, was established in 1932 and formally recognised as an international airport in 1991. Cochin International Airport, the first airport in India to be built using a public-private partnership, is the largest and busiest airport in the state. Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur Airport, serves the cities of Kozhikode and Malappuram. Kannur International Airport, the newest addition to the list, became fully operational in 2018.

In addition to its four international airports, Kerala also has four defence airports widely used by the Indian Armed Forces. The state's airports serve a large number of expatriates, as well as domestic travellers and tourists. They are well connected to the rest of the country and the world, making Kerala a convenient gateway for travellers.

The development of multiple international airports in Kerala has been driven by the state's focus on infrastructure improvement and the need to accommodate heavy tourist footfall to "God's own country". The proximity of the airports to tourist destinations and the array of passenger facilities they offer enhance the appeal of Kerala as a travel destination.

The state also has four defence airports used by the Indian Armed Forces

Kerala has four defence airports used by the Indian Armed Forces. The state has the most international airports in India, alongside Tamil Nadu, making it highly accessible for defence operations.

The four defence airports in Kerala are:

• Kannur Territory Aerodrome
• Southern Air Command
• Two unnamed defence airports, one operated by the Indian Navy and one by the Indian Air Force

The Indian Armed Forces frequently use these defence airports, which are crucial for the country's military and defence operations. They also play a significant role in supporting the state's tourism industry and serving the large number of expatriates from Kerala.

The first airport in Kerala was Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Kerala has four operational international airports, making it the Indian state with the most international airports, alongside Tamil Nadu. The state's first airport was Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, also known as Trivandrum International Airport. It was established in 1932 as part of the Royal Flying Club and was formally recognised as an international airport in 1991. It is located 3.7km west of the city centre and is the operating base of Air India and Air India Express. The airport is spread over an area of 800 acres and is approximately 16km from Kovalam Beach.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the second busiest airport in Kerala and the eighth busiest airport in India in terms of international traffic. In the financial year 2023-24, the airport handled over 4.4 million passengers, with a total of over 30,000 aircraft movements. The airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international flights.

The airport is also used for military purposes, housing the Southern Air Command (India) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Coast Guard. In addition, the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology, which carries out pilot training, is based at the airport.

Kerala's other international airports include Cochin International Airport, Calicut International Airport, and Kannur International Airport. These airports provide connectivity to various domestic and international destinations, serving both local residents and tourists.

Cochin International Airport is the state's busiest airport

Kerala, a state in India, is well-connected by air and has four international airports and several domestic airports. The four international airports are:

• Trivandrum International Airport
• Cochin International Airport
• Calicut International Airport
• Kannur International Airport

Cochin International Airport, also known as Nedumbassery Airport, is located in the city of Kochi and is the busiest airport in Kerala. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, especially to cities in the Middle East. The airport is located 25 kilometres from the city centre and has two terminals – one for domestic flights and the other for international.

Cochin International Airport was the first airport in India to be developed under a public-private partnership model. The project was funded by nearly 10,000 non-resident Indians from 32 countries. It is the largest airport in Kerala, covering over 1,000 acres. As of 2024, the airport caters to more than 63% of the total air passenger traffic in Kerala and is served by over 25 airline companies, flying to 31 international destinations and 22 domestic destinations. In 2023-2024, the airport handled more than 10.3 million passengers with a total of 67,469 aircraft movements.

Cochin International Airport has won numerous awards, including being named "the best non-metro airport in India" in 2016 by the Air Passengers Association of India. In 2015, it became the world's first fully solar-powered airport with the inauguration of a dedicated solar plant. For this, the airport won the Champion of the Earth award in 2018, the highest environmental honour instituted by the United Nations. The airport was also named The Best Airport in Asia-Pacific in 2020 (5 to 15 million passengers per year) by Airports Council International.

Kerala's airports are important for the state's tourism industry

Kerala's airports are vital to the state's tourism industry. With four international airports in operation as of 2023, Kerala is the Indian state with the most international airports, alongside Tamil Nadu. This abundance of airports makes Kerala easily accessible to travellers from around the world, which is essential for its tourism industry.

Kerala's international airports are located in close proximity to one another, making air travel especially convenient for the state's residents and visitors. The airports serve a large number of expatriates, as well as domestic travellers and tourists. The state's four defence airports are also widely used by the Indian Armed Forces.

Kerala's airports are strategically positioned to provide easy access to popular tourist destinations within the state. For example, the Trivandrum International Airport in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, is just 3.7 km west of the city centre and serves several important domestic destinations, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. It also offers international flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, making it a major gateway for tourists from these regions.

The Cochin International Airport, located in Nedumbassery, is another crucial hub for tourism. As the first airport in India developed through a public-private partnership, it showcases the state's commitment to enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth. The airport serves about 63.86% of Kerala's total air travel, making it the busiest in the state. It handles a large volume of passenger traffic, averaging 170 flight movements per day and serving nearly 8.9 million passengers in 2016. The airport caters to both international and domestic travellers, offering flights to major cities worldwide and within India.

The Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur Airport, is another vital link in Kerala's tourism industry. It is well-connected to international destinations, particularly in the Middle East, and plays a significant role in promoting the state's cultural and historical attractions.

The Kannur International Airport, the newest addition to Kerala's list of international airports, further enhances the state's accessibility. With an integrated passenger terminal for both international and domestic travellers, this airport boosts tourism and facilitates the movement of non-resident Keralites and expatriates.

In addition to these operational airports, Kerala also has several upcoming and proposed airports, such as the Kottayam International Airport (also known as Sabarimala Greenfield Airport), which will improve connectivity to pilgrimage sites like Sabarimala and enhance the overall tourism experience in the state.

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