Kochi: As Kerala's domestic tourism and logistics sectors boom, experts are urging a strategic pivot: transform Kochi's international airport into a major transit hub, a 'bridge' between the Middle East and the Far East. At the Kerala Aviation Summit 2025, hosted by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), aviation leaders unanimously called for accelerating efforts to turn this vision into reality.

A transit hub, like Dubai or Singapore, serves as a central connection point, allowing travellers to switch flights and reach a multitude of destinations seamlessly. With its prime geographical location and existing infrastructure, CIAL is perfectly positioned to capitalise on this model.

During a panel discussion on integrating tourism and aviation for sustainable growth, speakers emphasised that CIAL's vast potential remains untapped. They believe that fully leveraging the airport's capabilities is the key to positioning Kerala not just as a destination but as a global aviation crossroads.

Tourism secretary K Biju highlighted that the aviation industry plays a decisive role in the development of Kerala's tourism sector. Ernakulam district collector G Priyanka stated that CIAL is a driving force in the growth of Kerala's commercial and tourism sectors and is well-positioned to attract more investors. Extension of Kochi metro and water metro to CIAL, completion of seaport-airport road, etc, are in the pipeline, and this would improve last-mile connectivity from CIAL, Priyanka said.

Adeeb Ahamed, Founder and MD of Twenty14 Holdings and Lulu Financial Holdings. He further suggested that CIAL should consider a home check-in facility that could significantly enhance passenger convenience. "A home check-in facility in aviation allows travellers to complete their check-in process, have their bags weighed and tagged, and receive their boarding pass from a home or hotel location, rather than at the airport. He also said strengthening hotel chains and introducing Uber-model taxi systems are essential.

Robotic surgeon Dr Deepak Krishnappa spoke about the possibilities that can happen if the medical visa norms are liberalised and set up an office at CIAL to boost medical and Ayurveda tourism prospects of the state. AirAsia General Manager Suresh Nair stressed the importance of improving regional connectivity and starting small aircraft operations and air taxi from CIAL to cities across the state.

Kerala Aviation Summit 2025 concludes

The two-day summit concluded with a call to transform the state into a global hub for the aviation industry by integrating its tourism and aviation sectors for sustainable growth. It highlighted CIAL's role in achieving the same. Sessions covering various aspects of aviation- from drones and flying taxis to non-aero revenue of airports and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), were held over two days. Discussions also covered improving airport infrastructure, increasing international flight connectivity, promoting regional air travel, and implementing sustainable practices.

At the closing ceremony, CIAL managing director S Suhas assured that they would provide all necessary support to turn the suggestions proposed at the summit into actionable projects for the aviation industry and Kerala's economic growth. Kochi mayor M Anil Kumar was the chief guest at the closing ceremony, attended by KPMG director of mobility and logistics Dhaval Raut, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Kerala head Savio Mathew and CIAL airport director G Manu.

Kochi airport should emerge as a transit hub, calls Kerala Aviation Summit 2025