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Cochin International Airport

TeamAckoJan 23, 2025

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Located in the heart of Kerala, Cochin International Airport (COK) is India's first fully solar-powered airport, and an excellent example of sustainable infrastructure. Every year, millions of passengers come through this airport, which bridges various domestic and international destinations, offering seamless connectivity to travellers worldwide. A journey along the Kochi Airport will surely be a memorable experience for you, whether it is for a quick layover or the start of an exciting vacation in Kerala. 

Keep reading this article to learn about the airport's unique features, facilities, and attractions!

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Contents

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How to Reach Kochi International Airport?

The Kochi Airport is approximately 25 kilometres northeast of the Kochi city centre, in the village of Nedumbassery. Also, for people staying within the city limits or tourists coming for vacation in the city, the following are the easiest ways to access the airport:

  • By Car or Taxi: Cochin International Airport is situated about 30 km from Kochi city centre (Ernakulam). The airport is conveniently accessible via NH 544 and NH 66, making it an easy drive for passengers. Prepaid taxis and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola are also available.

  • By Bus: KSRTC runs buses that frequently connect Kochi city and nearby towns to the airport.

  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Aluva which is 12 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or bus to the airport.

  • By Metro: Kochi Metro does not reach the airport directly, but it can be used to travel up to Aluva and then reach by road.

Cochin Airport Details

Kochi Airport has won several awards for its infrastructure and environment-friendly practices. Here are the key information you may need:

  • Cochin Airport Code: COK

  • COK Full Form: Cochin International Airport

  • Location: Airport Road, Kochi, Kerala

  • Cochin Airport Pin Code: 683111

  • Runway Details: The airport has two functional runways for domestic and international flights.

Kochi Airport Terminal Information

Cochin International Airport has three terminals, which are built to cater to specific types of air traffic:

Terminal 1 (T1)

Kochi Airport Terminal 1 handles the arrival and departure of all India-bound flights. It is a relatively new terminal built with all modern amenities, added capacity, and passenger-friendly flow systems. Furthermore, the facility has check-in counters, advanced baggage handling systems, and comfortable seating arrangements for passengers. Its well-thought-out design minimises congestion, even at peak times, thereby reducing travel difficulties for passengers using the terminal.

Terminal 2 (T2)

Cargo and Hajj operations are operated at Terminal 2. Being small in size, T2 plays a significant role by catering to special-purpose flight and cargo operations only. Also, it offers storage facilities and systems, enabling efficient handling of goods and services.

Terminal 3 (T3)

The International Terminal 3 stands out for its modernity and luxury services with good infrastructure. T3 boasts spacious lounges with varied retail and dining alternatives and enhanced security screening for international travel. Moreover, travellers find T3 comfortable and efficient for their journeys. Therefore, it is one of the best in modern airport design and one of the centres for the world's most luxurious free shops available in airports.

Kochi International Airport Facilities

There are plenty of facilities provided at Cochin International Airport to ensure comfort and ease for the passengers. Some are:

  • Baggage Services: Automated baggage handling systems and trolleys for luggage.

  • Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi for all the passengers.

  • Duty-Free Shopping: International and domestic terminals have ample duty-free outlets.

  • Food and Beverages: Regional and international food, with café, restaurants, and snack bars.

  • Prayer Rooms: For spiritual and religious purposes.

  • Medical Assistance: The place provides round-the-clock medical care and pharmacies.

  • Child Care: Separate rooms for nursing mothers and child-friendly spaces.

Kochi Airport Lounge Information

There are 2 premium lounges at the airport where you can work or relax:

  • Earth Lounge (International Terminal): This lounge provides cosy seating, good food choices, high-speed Wi-Fi, and workstations. It is a perfect waiting area during a layover or flight delays. 

  • Domestic Lounge (Terminal 1): This is for domestic passengers and comes with cosy seating, complimentary refreshments, and newspapers/magazine services. Furthermore, this lounge can be accessed through business class tickets, lounge memberships, or by paying at the counter.

Things to Do at the Kochi Airport

Use the waiting time at Kochi Airport to your advantage by checking out the list of things to do at Kochi Airport alone or with your loved ones:

1. Shop Til You Drop

Visit duty-free stores and local handicraft shops available in the airport. You will find a variety of products, from international brands to authentic Kerala spices, teas, and souvenirs.

2. Savour Local Flavours

Enjoy Kerala's signature dishes like appam and stew at the restaurants of the airport. Also, coffee lovers can enjoy freshly brewed beverages at premium cafés.

3. Stay Connected

Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to catch up on work, browse social media, or stream your favourite content. Moreover, charging stations are also available throughout the terminals.

4. Relax in the Lounge

Unwind with premium amenities at the airport lounges. These offer a serene environment, perfect for business travellers or anyone seeking a quiet space.

5. Art and Culture

Appreciate the traditional wall paintings, sculptures, and installations on the walls of the terminals. These are reflective of Kerala's rich cultural heritage.

6. Play Zones for Kids

In case you are travelling with your kids, do check out the play zones that are designed to help kids enjoy their free time.

7. Treat Yourself

Treat yourself to a quick spa or explore beauty treatments available within the airport campus. These can help revive you before or after your flight.

Places to Visit Near Cochin Airport

If you have a layover or extra time at the Cochin Domestic Airport, check out the following places to visit near Cochin Airport and have a  wonderful holiday:

1. Athirappilly Waterfalls

Known as the "Niagara of India," this beautiful waterfall is a treat for nature lovers. The lush greenery surrounding the falls offers scenic views and excellent photography opportunities. Visitors can also trek through the surrounding forests to get a closer view of the falls.

2. Cherai Beach

This is an ideal retreat for relaxation and water sports. Cherai Beach has a beautiful blend of backwaters and sea, which attracts tourists. There are several seafood restaurants here as well that serve the freshest catches cooked in delicious gravy.

3. Aluva Shiva Temple

It is an ancient temple along the Periyar River. This temple is more famous for its Shivaratri celebration. Thousands of devotees visit this temple throughout the year and is a wonderful place for meditation and soulful introspection.

4. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a birdwatcher's paradise and a haven for nature lovers. The bird sanctuary has all types of bird species, from rare to migratory ones. Furthermore, it offers guided bird-watching tours to experience its complete splendour which is just 35 km from the Cochin International Airport.

5. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

It is a unique place just 25 km from the Kochi Airport, to watch elephants in their natural habitat. Visitors can watch elephants being bathed, fed, and trained in a serene environment. The centre also offers educational tours on elephant conservation to visitors.

6. Malayattoor

A significant Christian pilgrimage site, the Malayattoor Church is located on a hilltop in Cochin. You can trek to the church to get a spiritual experience and breathtaking views, best for photography lovers. Pilgrims often combine their visit with a tour of the nearby Periyar River.

7. Perumbavoor

This town is famous for its timber and spice markets. One can get an idea of the thriving trade culture of Kerala from this sport near Kochi. You can also visit nearby plantations and interact with local traders. Do not forget to indulge yourself in some traditional Kerala-style snacks that are a highlight of the local market experience.

8. Kalady

Kalady is a spiritual destination and happens to be the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. The temples and the ashram there are devoted to the great philosopher. Also, it hosts cultural programs emphasising the teachings and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya.

Final Words

To sum up, Cochin International Airport is continuing to break benchmarks in sustainability and passenger convenience among airports in India. Whether flying domestically or internationally, the world-class facilities of the airport make it the best travel hub in India, especially due to its strategic location. Furthermore, Kochi Airport takes care of all your travel needs from duty-free shopping to cultural displays and will make every experience memorable for any traveller. So, make the most of its top-notch services and nearby attractions for a delightful journey. 

FAQs about Kochi Airport

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Kochi Airport are as follows:

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What is the Cochin International Airport Code?

The airport code of Cochin International Airport is COK and is widely used for making reservations and tracking flights.

Is Cochin Terminal 1 domestic or international?

Cochin Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal which provides excellent facilities to Indian passengers.

How far is Kochi Airport from the city centre?

Kochi city centre is about 25 kilometres from the airport, making for a well-connected road journey between the two.

Is Kochi Airport connected to the metro?

No, Kochi Metro does not directly connect to the airport, but you can use it to reach Aluva and then reach the airport by road via cabs or buses.

Are there lounges available at Cochin International Airport?

Yes, it provides lounges at both the domestic and international terminals to its passengers offering them premium services.

What is the Cochin Airport pin code?

The pin code of Cochin International Airport is 683111. This will be useful for courier and postal services.

Does Cochin Airport have Wi-Fi?

Yes, it offers free Wi-Fi to all the passengers, and you can be in touch with the world throughout your journey.

Is there duty-free shopping at Kochi Airport?

Yes, duty-free shopping is available at both international and domestic terminals, with a wide range of products.

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