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Full Form of CIAL, History, Features and Facility

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) got approval in 1993 and opened for operations in 1999. It was the first public-private partnership airport in India.
authorImageGirijesh Singh16 Oct, 2023
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CIAL

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is the first airport in India to be built under a public-private partnership. It is in the city of Kochi in the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, handling a large number of both domestic and international passengers. 

CIAL also operates a cargo terminal and has won numerous awards for its modern facilities and efficient operations. The airport has been environmentally friendly in its operations, using solar energy to power a significant portion of its operations.

History of CIAL

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) got approval in 1993 and opened for operations in 1999. It was the first public-private partnership airport in India.

Before the opening of CIAL, the city of Kochi relied on the older Naval Air Station (NAS) for air travel. However, the increasing number of passengers and the need for a modern airport led to the establishment of CIAL.

The airport was built on 1300 acres of land and features a large number of passenger and cargo facilities. In its first year of operations, CIAL handled over 1 million passengers. 

Since then, CIAL has undergone several expansions and upgrades. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in India, handling millions of passengers and tons of cargo every year. 

Features of CIAL

Some of the key features of CIAL are:

  • CIAL is one of the greenest airports in the world, with a significant portion of its operations powered by solar energy.
  • CIAL has a spacious and modern terminal building with the capacity to handle large numbers of passengers. 
  • It can handle a capacity of 2,400 passengers an hour.
  • CIAL is known for its efficient and streamlined operations, making it one of the most passenger-friendly airports in India.
  • CIAL has a dedicated cargo terminal that handles a large amount of cargo every year.
  • CIAL has won numerous awards for its facilities, operations, and eco-friendly initiatives. Recently it won the "Champion of Earth" award from the UN in 2018.
  • CIAL is well-connected to other parts of India and the world.

Overall, CIAL is a modern and efficient airport that provides passengers with a high level of comfort and convenience.

Cargo Center at CIAL

The cargo center at CIAL is strategically located in the southern part of India. It is an important hub for trade and commerce in the region. With direct connectivity to other parts of India and the world, the cargo center at CIAL plays an important role in supporting the growth of the local economy and facilitating the flow of goods and commerce in the region.

MRO Facility at CIAL

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility located on the airport grounds. The MRO facility provides a range of services to support the maintenance and repair of aircraft, including:

Line Maintenance 

MRO services include line maintenance to ensure that aircraft are in good working condition before takeoff.

Base Maintenance 

The MRO facility also provides base maintenance services, including major overhauls and repairs, to keep aircraft in top condition.

Engine Maintenance 

The MRO facility has the capability to perform engine maintenance, including engine overhauls and repairs, to ensure that aircraft engines are operating at peak performance.

Component Maintenance 

The maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility provide aircraft components and maintenance service to ensure that they are in working order and ready to fly.

ARFF Facility in CIAL

The Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) facility at CIAL provides firefighting and rescue services. The ARFF facility at CIAL is equipped with firefighting and rescue vehicles, firefighting foam, water, and other necessary equipment. 

In addition to the ARFF vehicles, the airport also has other safety and security systems in place, such as fire detection and alarm systems, fire hydrants, and fire suppression systems. 

[wp-faq-schema title=" Full Form of CIAL  FAQs" accordion=1]

Which is the No 1 airport in Kerala?

Cochin International Airport, also known as Nedumbassery Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in the Indian state of Kerala. It is in the town of Nedumbassery, about 25 kilometres northeast of Kochi.  The airport serves as a major gateway for both domestic and international travellers to the state.

Which is the smallest airport in India?

Tiruchirappalli International Airport, also known as Trichy Airport is the smallest airport in India.

Which is the oldest Indian airport?

Juhu Aerodrome is the oldest airport in India. It has played a significant role in the development of the country's aviation industry.
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