Efforts to transform the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) into a transit hub must be accelerated, considering the rapidly growing domestic tourism market and logistics sector, experts in aviation and related fields opined here on Sunday (August 24).
Speakers of a panel discussion, held on the second and final day of the maiden Kerala Aviation Summit 2025, stressed the need to fully leverage CIAL’s immense potential to become a destination hub.
Tourism Secretary K. Biju highlighted that the aviation industry plays a decisive role in the development of Kerala’s tourism sector. Strengthening hotel chains and introducing Uber-model taxi systems are essential, noted Adeeb Ahamed, founder and MD of Twenty14 Holdings and Lulu Financial Holdings. He suggested that a home check-in facility could significantly enhance passenger convenience.
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. Robotic surgeon Dr. Deepak Krishnappa spoke about the growth possibilities if the medical visa norms are relaxed, while AirAsia General Manager Suresh Nair stressed the importance of improving connectivity and starting small aircraft operations from CIAL.
Noted artist Bose Krishnamachari suggested launching heli-taxi and seaplane services to nearby tourism destinations such as Alappuzha to boost tourism.
The two-day summit, attended by policymakers and industry leaders, aimed to chart a sustainable growth path to elevate Kerala as a top-tier global destination. CIAL MD S. Suhas attended.
Published – August 24, 2025 07:44 pm IST
