Cochin International Airport is breaking barriers when it comes to sustainability – something rare in the area of aviation and something that the industry as a whole is now striving for and has a long way to go. It was the first green airport in the world after generating its power from solar energy. 

Now, it has become power surplus – a big feat for one of the busiest airports in India. The many sustainable efforts by Cochin International Airport are quite commendable and inspiring. 

Cochin Airport and Solar Power

Cochin International Airport runs its entire operations on solar power. To put it in perspective, it is the largest airport in Kerala. It is one of the largest airports in India as per passenger traffic. It is considerably large in size too. Its runway is more than 3 km long. And it can accommodate all kinds of aircraft.

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is a public-private partnership. It had taken some key decisions way back in 2013 about investing in green power. CIAL had installed a solar power station on the Arrival Terminal’s rooftop. Then it continued to install more solar panels at the airport. It achieved power neutrality in 2015 itself. Now, the airport has a surplus of power! So, CIAL has essentially reversed its carbon footprint. Instead of contributing to carbon emissions, it is kind of offsetting it. With more than 46000 solar panels, Cochin Airport is likely to have close to 60000 units of power available per day for its operations.

This is significant because –

In the aviation sector, it is not only the airlines that are the sources of major emissions. Airports’ ground operations are also big contributors towards it. Airports are, essentially, big industrial hubs – handling passenger traffic and cargo, and of course, are the center of airlines’ operations. A sustainable airport, thus, is integral to green initiatives of the aviation industry as a whole. And in this regard, Cochin International Airport, kind of rules the roost. 

But this is not all –

CIAL has been quite creative and enterprising when it comes to its sustainable efforts. For instance, it has invested in agro-photovoltaic (agrisolar) projects also. As there is considerable space between solar panels; the same has been utilized to grow pesticide-free vegetables – some 90 metric tons of it! 

Inspired by Cochin Airport’s feat; other airports are also striving towards producing renewable energy. Recently, Delhi Airport had conducted its entire operations using solar and hydro power. 

In closing –

CIAL has now spread its sustainable net in other parts of Kochi and rest of Kerala also. It is now pioneering sustainable energy projects (both solar and hydro) in various other parts of the state. It is also saving close to ₹ 800,000 every month by way of electricity bills due to its use of solar power. Sustainable efforts by Cochin International Airport are quite pioneering not only in India but at the world stage too. 

So, now when you take flights to Kochi, know that you will arrive at a green and power-surplus airport. You can book your tickets to the city or anywhere in India, anytime, at economical rates via Indian Eagle.

The post Sustainable Efforts by Cochin International Airport: An Update appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Situated in Nedumbassery, Cochin International Airport (COK) serves the city of Kochi in the south Indian state of Kerala. Also referred to simply as Kochi Airport, it’s about 25 km from the city and is the largest and busiest airport in Kerala. Kochi Airport handles over 10 million passengers each year and caters to nearly 63 percent of the entire air passenger traffic in Kerala. In terms of international air traffic, Kochi Airport is the fourth largest one in India. It’s also famous for being the first airport in the world to be a fully solar-powered one.

Kochi Airport Terminals:

Here’s a small brief about Cochin International Airport terminal 2 and 3.

Domestic Terminal: Fashioned to handle approximately 400 passengers at peak times, the Cochin International Airport (COK) domestic terminal is spread across an area of 100,000 sq. mt. The terminal is equipped with 3 baggage carousels, a family lounge, 6 Premium check-in counters (of which 4 are self check-in), business class lounge, a food court, a restaurant, and 6 security gates. There are a couple of shops as well.

International Terminal: You may have heard about Cochin International Airport Terminal 3, the fourth largest terminal in India. The Kochi Airport international terminal is equipped with 12 customs counters, 4 baggage carousels, 36 passport control counters, and 12 security gates. The terminal is also home to four premium lounges accessible by First and Business Class Flights passengers. The terminal can easily accommodate up to 1800 people at any point in time. Also, there are 27 dedicated immigration counters at the Cochin International Airport departures and 23 at the Cochin International Airport arrivals terminal.

There is also a Cargo Terminal at Cochin International Airport (COK) which handles approximately 40,000 MT per year. Visa on arrival is offered by Kochi Airport to citizens of 11 countries – Finland, New Zealand, Luxembourg, Singapore, Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, and Laos.

Passenger Services at Cochin International Airport:

Travelers who will be boarding pre-booked or even last minute flights from Cochin International Airport (COK) will find the following list of passenger services at the airport incredibly helpful.

• Airport Lounges

An Earth Lounge is located at the domestic terminal and another Earth Lounge is located at the international terminal as well. You can gain access via membership programs or pay for a lounge pass. For additional information of VIP lounges at Cochin International Airport (COK), check the airport’s official website. It covers everything from lounge location and access to Cochin airport careers as well.

• ATMs

There are ATMs present across the Cochin International Airport (COK) for you to have fast and easy access to cash. You can check the Kochi Airport map for details on ATM locations.

• Wi-Fi Services

Wi-Fi service is offered at Kochi Airport. This service is free for the first 30 minutes after which you will need to pay if you wish to use the Wi-Fi for a longer time. This can be used to check your Cochin airport flight schedule as well to be notified in case there are any delays or cancellations.

• Currency Exchange

This is among the most important services offered at Cochin International Airport (COK) domestic as well as international terminals. International travelers will have a hassle-free time getting their currency exchange done right here at the airport.

• Food & Drink

There are several eateries at Kochi Airport where hungry passengers can grab a bite to eat before boarding their flights. Dining options vary and you can also head over to the lounge if you wish to eat there instead.

• Duty-free shopping

At the domestic and international departures area, you will find a number of shops selling anything and everything from books and traditional wear to handicrafts and special Kerala items. You can also indulge in duty-free shopping at the Canopy in Cochin International Airport (COK).

• Child Care Room

For passengers traveling with infants and/or young kids, there are child care rooms at Cochin International Airport (COK) to make your travels safer and easier.

• Business Center

There is a Business Center at Kochi Airport which makes travel that much easier for corporate passengers. Here, you will have access to photocopy services, internet, fax, E-ticketing, printing services, mobile renting, and scanning facility among other things.

• Luggage Wrapping Service

Luggage wrapping is done at Cochin International Airport (COK) for a nominal fee. The rates will depend on the number and size of your bags. You can check the airport website for more details on this.

• Lost & Found Service

Kochi Airport offers assistance in case of lost or misplaced baggage. They have a separate counter that deals especially in this. You can approach airport staff who will guide you to the lost & found desk.

• Tourist Information Desk

There is a tourist information desk at Cochin International Airport (COK) where you can take your queries to. They will provide all possible assistance to ensure you have all your tourism-related queries answered.

• Kochi Airport Car Rental

You will find popular car rental companies at Cochin International Airport (COK) such as Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Budget. Pick whichever one suits your budget best. This is the best way to travel through Kochi. There are private vehicles available as well. Alternatively, you can also hire an auto rickshaw to get to the city from Kochi Airport.

For further details, call on Cochin Airport contact number: +91 4842610115

• Medical Assistance

There is a first aid room at Kochi Airport that deals with medical emergencies. You can approach airport staff immediately should you require any such assistance. Be assured that they will do the needful herein.

• Additional Services

Besides the passenger services mentioned above, there are certain additional services offered at Cochin International Airport (COK).These include shower facility, aerobridges, prayer room, post office, pharmacy, mobile charging points, and free baggage trolleys among other things.

Hotels near Kochi Airport:

For those who do not wish to spend the night at Cochin International Airport (COK), there are several nearby hotel options to choose from. Some of the top choices are Lotus 8 Airport Hotel, Flora Airport Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport, Abad Airport Hotel, Eastend Airport Suites, Princess Residency, and Atlas Airport Hotel. You can pick any of these depending on your budget and other requirements.

Nearby Airports:

The closest major airport to Kochi Airport is the Calicut International Airport (CCJ) at a distance of approximately 154 km. The airport has daily domestic and international flights from Kozhikode. Other alternate airport options include Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), Madurai Airport (IXM), Tuticorin Airport (TCR), and Mysore Airport (MYQ). You will find cheap flights from Cochin International Airport (COK) to any of these places.

– Travel Diary

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