Not Mumbai Or Delhi, Do You Know This Is India’s Global Aviation Hub?

Whenever we talk about India’s aviation hub, we always thinks of whether it’s Delhi or Mumbai. But you will be surprised to know that Kerala holds a major distinctive milestone in India’s aviation sector with its four international airports.

Situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur, these four airports have eased global connectivity and linked different regions of Kerala to multiple destinations across the world. Here are four international airports in Kerala that make the state a global aviation hub.

1. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

This was the first airport in Kerala, built in 1932. The airport currently serves as the gateway to the major southern districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is also known as the second-busiest airport in the state, spanning over an area of 650 acres. The airport is closely accessible from major tourist attractions like Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Kovalam Beach. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 handles all domestic flight operations, while Terminal 2 is responsible for international operations.

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2. Cochin International Airport

Situated in Kochi, this is another very well-known and the busiest airport in the state. The airport started its operation on May 25, 1999, and is the first fully solar-powered facility not only in India, but in the world.

In its annual report for FY25, Cochin International Airport highlighted that around 60 lakh domestic passengers and more than 52 lakh international passengers used the solar facility in 2024-25.

3. Kannur International Airport

Started its operations in 2018, this airport is the newest addition to the aviation map of the state. The airport that has been built on an area of around 2300 acres has a single integrated terminal catering to both international and domestic passengers. However, the airport’s main building has three levels: basement, arrival and departure.

4. Calicut International Airport

Last but not least, Calicut International Airport is one of the few airports in India with a tabletop runway. Being one of the busiest airports in the country, it has 2 terminals, with one each for domestic and international travellers. The best part? The domestic terminal of the airport has nine check-in counters and two security kiosks. It can handle 250 inbound and outbound passengers. On the other hand, the international terminal has 23 check-in counters and 18 immigration counters.

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Kerala is the state known for its scenic beauty, but its excellent global connectivity is also a remarkable achievement.

Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Tiago LBR