CIAL to Get ‘Aero Park’ as Kerala Unveils Plan to Make Kochi a Global Aviation Hub

Kochi: Major development initiatives have been launched to transform Cochin International Airport (CIAL) into a world-class aviation hub. As part of this vision, authorities are preparing to establish a state-of-the-art “Aero Park” in the vicinity of the airport, equipped with advanced infrastructure.

The project is designed to attract aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aviation-related industries, and foreign investments. The aim is to position Kerala as a global aviation centre.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented CIAL’s future development roadmap at the Kerala Aviation Summit 2025, held with the objective of strengthening the state’s aviation sector. The Aero Park and related initiatives are now being fast-tracked as part of this broader strategy.

The move is also expected to increase the share of non-aeronautical revenue in the airport’s overall income. In collaboration with global companies, large-scale hangar facilities will be developed for aircraft maintenance. Efforts are also underway to make CIAL a major cargo handling hub in South India.

Manufacturing units for aviation-related ancillary products will be set up, while infrastructure development will focus on turning Kochi into a key transit point between the Middle East and the Far East.

In addition, the proposed connectivity of Kochi Metro and Water Metro services to the airport will ensure seamless travel for passengers. Under the new aviation policy, drone technology and air taxi services are also expected to become part of CIAL’s future ecosystem.

Once completed, these development projects are expected to provide a significant boost to Kerala’s economy and tourism sector.