Kochi airport sees record travellers, crosses 1 Cr mark for 4th straight year

Kochi, Kerala: Cochin International Airport has recorded its busiest year yet, welcoming more than 11.4 million travellers during the 2025-26 financial year despite global flight disruptions.

Despite conflict in the Middle East and operational issues faced by airlines, the airport reported a 2.2 per cent rise in passenger traffic. It is also the fourth straight year that the airport has handled more than 10 million passengers, showing strong demand despite global challenges.

Steady growth despite global issues

Domestic travel slightly exceeded international travel. Around six million passengers travelled within India, while 5.4 million used international services.

May 2025 was the busiest month, with more than 1.1 million passengers travelling through the airport. During the year, the airport handled more than 73,000 flight movements, showing steady domestic and international operations.

The numbers show that both airlines and passengers continue to prefer Cochin International Airport.

Faster travel with new technology

Airport officials said the growth was supported by the “CIAL 2.0” modernisation project. The programme focuses on upgrading airport facilities and using digital technology to reduce waiting times.

Recent improvements include faster passenger processing systems and trials of new full-body scanners. The scanners are expected to improve security and reduce the need for physical checks.

The airport said the modernisation work is aimed at maintaining smooth services even as passenger numbers continue to increase throughout the year.