Kochi: Cochin international airport which is readying for the inauguration of its new international terminal (T-3) on Friday, has clocked an increase of 21.48 per cent in passenger traffic in 2015 compared to previous year.
While a total of 61.045 lakh passengers travelled through the airport in 2014, the numbers went up to 74.16 lakh in 2015, according to the official figures released by CIAL.
The airport witnessed an overall 56,196 aircraft movements which is a growth of eight percent year on year. “Currently a total of 24 airlines operate from CIAL and the growth in the traffic has prompted CIAL to build the new terminal,” said V J Kurien, CIAL managing director.
Currently Cochin airport holds fourth position in the country in terms of number of international passengers and seventh position in terms of number of overall passengers. CIAL has built the 15 sq ft T3 by spending Rs 1000 cr.
With the commercial opening of the T3 in coming May, the existing international terminal will be turned into domestic terminal and its area will be increased to 5 lakh sq ft.
Work on a flyover has also been completed spending Rs 34 crore. The T3 will be functioning in three storeyes and the departure is on the third floor. Vehicles can directly reach the departure section using the flyover. After completing check-in and emigration formalities, passengers can board the aircraft using the aerobridge.
