List of 6 Domestic & International Airports in Kerala

Nestling on the southern coast of India, Kerala is flanked by sprawling beaches, peaceful stretches of backwaters, lush greenery, wildlife and tantalising cuisines. Thus, thousands of tourists visit “God’s own country” to get a dose of the tropical paradise.

Thus, to accommodate such heavy tourist footfall, the Kerala Government has focused on infrastructure development of the international airports. So, if your next trip is to the Malabar Coast of India, find out the details below regarding all the airports in Kerala to plan your arrival and departure conveniently.

There are four operational international airports in Kerala. Keep reading to know about all the airports in Kerala in detail.

Please note: all the given details regarding service and other factors are dynamic. Make sure to verify the same before organising your trip.

1. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram

The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is strategically situated 6.8 km away from the city of Thiruvananthapuram and is the busiest airport in Kerala. It commenced operations in 1932 and since then is connecting people and places with excellence.

• Address: Airport Road, Chacka, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695008
• ICAO Code: VOTV
• IATA Code: TRV
• Terminals:
  • Terminal 1 for domestic flights except for Air India flights.
  • Terminal 2 accommodates international flights along with Air India flights. They also play an essential role in the military and Coast Guard operations of India.
• Category: Public Private Partnership Airport
• Services & Amenities Available:
  • Medical services available at both the terminals
  • Lost and found
  • Three 24X7 lounges at the International terminal at gates 1, 2 and 5
  • ATMs and currency exchange
  • Smoking zone
  • Duty-free shops
  • Child care room

2. Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam

The airport commenced operations on 5th May 1999 and is situated 37 km away from Cochin. It is the 4th largest airport in India and 2nd busiest airport in Kerala. Furthermore, the airport will be utilising ₹478 crore funds for the development of Terminal 3.

• Address: Kochi, Nedumbassery, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala 683111
• ICAO Code: VOCI
• IATA Code: COK
• Category: International Airport
• Terminals:
  • The oldest one now serves domestic flights 
  • The second one inaugurated in 2017 handles international flights. 
  • The third one or the Executive Terminal is the second domestic terminal.
• Services & Amenities Available:
  • Lounges
  • Lost and found counter
  • Medical rooms
  • Cloakroom and more

3. Calicut International Airport, Malappuram

Also known as Kozhikode Airport or Karipur Airport, Calicut International Airport is the 3rd busiest airport in the state. It strategically lies 28 km away from Kozhikode. Though it was started on 13th April, 1988, it became an international airport in 2006.

• Address: Calicut Airport Road, Karipur, Kerala 673647
• ICAO Code: CCJ
• IATA Code: VOCL
• Category: International Airport
• Terminals:
  • Terminal 1 serves domestic flights and has two levels
  • Terminal 2 is for international flights and is on the Ground Level.
• Operator: Airports Authority of India
• Services Available:
  • Baby care area
  • Medical services
  • Currency exchange
  • Prayer room
  • Shops
  • Restaurants
  • Banking
  • Post Office

4. Kannur International Airport, Kannur

This is the 4th international airport and one of the greenfield airports in Kerala was set up on 3rd December, 2009 to help non-resident Keralites (NRKs) and boost tourism and export in the Gulf region. It is situated 27 km away from Kannur. Additionally, a Hajj pilgrimage will be set up in the airport to further enhance the experience of travellers.

• Address: P. O., Mattannur, Kannur, Kerala 670708
• ICAO Code: VOKN
• IATA Code: CNN
• Category: International Airport
• Terminals: This airport in Kerala includes a single passenger tri-level terminal. With a sliding glass partition in between, it operates both domestic and international flights.
• Services & Amenities Available:
  • Money exchange service
  • ATMs
  • Baggage wrapping
  • Baby care zone
  • Medical services
  • Prayer halls

Read along to know about the new addition to the list of airports in Kerala:

5. Kottayam International Airport, Manimala & Erumely, Kottayam District

On 17th April, the Civil Aviation Ministry granted Site Clearance for Kottayam International Airport, also known as Sabarimala Greenfield Airport, making the total number of airports in Kerala five. Situated 86 km away from Cochin, the airport will comprise the following:

• The construction will be on 2570 acres of land in Manimala and Erumely South for the convenience of pilgrims of Sabarimala.
• It will consist of a 3.5-km long runway to cater for the operation of aeroplanes of all sizes.
• The airport will be useful for the inhabitants of Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta.
• It will be around 150 km from Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin International Airport.

6. Quilon Aerodrome, Asramam, Kollam

Established in 1932, this is the first aerodrome in Kerala to serve Kollam. Situated 4 km away from Kollam, a few more details about this aerodrome include:

• It has been non-operational since the commencement of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
• Currently, Quilon Aerodrome or Asramam Maidanam is a property of the State Government and consists of two helipads.
• It consisted of a circular concrete pad for aircraft parking purposes and was operated by the Public Works Department (PWD).