Cochin International Airport - Terminal T3, India: Information, Location, and Travel Tips

India is a top choice for travelers passionate about culture and history. This South Asian country fascinates many with its rich heritage and the convergence of multiple religions. One destination that embodies Indian cultural and tourism values is Kochi, also known as Cochin – a must-visit city for anyone traveling to India. Nicknamed the “Venice of the East,” this enchanting city on the Arabian Sea offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern splendor.

From Vietnam, the best way to travel to Cochin, India is by air. To ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey, it’s essential to understand key details about Cochin Airport and flight options.In the article below, Vietjet provides updated and important information about Cochin Airport.

1. Does Kochi (Cochin), India have an airport?

Beyond being a culturally and historically significant city, Cochin (Kochi) is also one of India’s major urban centers. Located on the southwestern coast of India by the Laccadive Sea, Cochin is a bustling port city with rapidly advancing infrastructure.

To accommodate the growing number of international visitors, Cochin is home to one of India’s largest international airports – Cochin International Airport. Notably, it is also the first airport in the world to be fully powered by solar energy

Cochin International Airport – Terminal T3, India

Cochin is an ideal travel destination when visiting India.

2. Introduction to Cochin International Airport

In the fiscal year 2023–2024, Cochin International Airport served over 10.3 million passengers and handled 67,469 aircraft movements. As of 2024, it is served by more than 25 airlines, connecting travelers to 31 international and 22 domestic destinations.

Also known as Kochi International Airport or Nedumbassery Airport, it is the busiest airport in Kerala. The airport supports approximately 464 domestic flights and 314 international flights each week. Located about 30km from downtown Kochi, it serves both local residents and travelers from around the globe.

Full name: Cochin International Airport
Location: Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India
IATA code: COK
Number of terminals: 3
Time zone: GMT +05:30

3. History and Development of Cochin International Airport

Cochin Airport has a long and fascinating history dating back nearly a century. Its development can be summarized in three main stages:

Establishment stage: Kochi Airport was originally a runway on Willingdon Island, built in 1936, when Cochin was still an autonomous kingdom. After India gained independence and annexed the Kingdom of Cochin, the airport continued to be used for both military and civilian purposes. In 1993, the proposal to construct Cochin International Airport with an estimated cost of 13 million USD was approved. By May 1999, Cochin International Airport officially came into operation with a total area of over 150,000 m².
Expansion stage: The original terminal was envisioned to accommodate only 100 passengers at a time. However, by 2001, as the volume of international passengers steadily increased, plans for terminal expansion at Cochin Airport were initiated. In 2002, a separate domestic terminal was added, increasing the floor area for international operations in the original building. Subsequently, as more airlines began operating at Cochin International Airport, Terminal 2 was constructed, adding an additional 37,161 m² of floor space for international activities. The cargo terminal was also expanded during this phase. From 2007, the airport area entered another expansion phase to add more gates and lounge areas, along with a rise in shopping zones. The international arrival and departure zones were integrated and fitted with glass walls to allow more natural light. The runway system was also rebuilt in 2008, and the parking area was expanded to serve the growing number of passengers.
Upgrade stage: In 2011, Terminal T3 – the new international terminal – was officially planned. The new terminal, featuring distinctive height and traditional Kerala temple architecture unique to Cochin, was designed to be equipped with the latest features according to international standards. The completion of Terminal T3 at Cochin International Airport helped it become one of the largest airports in India and earned it the title of the world’s second-best airport in the 25–40 million passenger category by the Airports Council International in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Even more remarkably, in 2015, Cochin International Airport achieved a globally renowned milestone by becoming the first airport in the world to operate entirely on solar power. From 2025 until now, the solar power plant at Cochin Airport has generated between 48,000 and 50,000 kWh of electricity per day, fully meeting the airport’s energy needs.

Cochin International Airport is the first airport in the world to run on 100% solar energy.

4. What flights are available at Cochin International Airport?

4.1 Domestic Flights

Cochin Airport operates numerous domestic flights to major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and more. These flights are operated by Indian domestic airlines such as Air India, Air-India Express, and Indian Airlines.

4.2 International Flights

Cochin International Airport offers a wide range of international routes to cities like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kathmandu, Ho Chi Minh City, and more.

From Vietnam, you can fly directly to Cochin International Airport. Vietjet is the only airline in Vietnam operating direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Cochin, offering both one-way and round-trip options. Vietjet operates daily flights on the Ho Chi Minh City – Cochin route, with a flight duration of only 5 hours. To make your trip to Cochin more budget-friendly, Vietjet offers ticket prices starting from just 668,000 VND for both one-way and round-trip flights.

Especially during the travel season, Vietjet also offers incredible discounts through its 0 VND flight ticket flash sale program. Mark your calendar: Vietjet's 0 VND international ticket sale takes place every Friday — available HERE.

Don’t miss the 0 VND ticket hunting hours for flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Cochin, India, with Vietjet!

5. Overview of Cochin International Airport

5.1 Scale and runway size

Cochin International Airport in India has three runways with respective lengths of 3,810 meters, 2,813 meters, and 4,430 meters — all surfaced with asphalt. Notably, Cochin Airport is among the few in India capable of accommodating massive jetliners like the Airbus A380.In fact, Cochin International Airport served 35.88 million passengers between 2011 and 2012. The airport is continuing its expansion plans and is expected to reach a capacity of 100 million passengers by 2030. Currently, the airport operates with three terminals, efficiently serving large numbers of domestic and international travelers.

Details:

Terminal 1: Previously used for international flights, Terminal 1 has now been upgraded with a capacity of 4,000 passengers per hour and 56 check-in counters. It also features lounges, an art zone, and a shopping area. Notably, the solar-powered parking area at this terminal can generate 2.4 MW of electricity.
Terminal 2: Dedicated to domestic travelers, Terminal 2 covers an area of 10,000 square meters with 26 check-in counters and 6 security gates. It includes family lounges, premium lounges, and a food court.
Terminal 3: This is the newly constructed international terminal. Terminal T3 is decorated in the traditional Kerala style and inspired by the Thrissur Pooram festival. It features 5 entrance gates, 84 check-in counters, and 80 immigration counters, spanning over 150,000 square meters.

5.2 Amenities and Services at the Terminal

Cochin International Airport provides a wide range of modern amenities and convenient services to ensure a comfortable experience for both domestic and international passengers.

Free Wi-Fi: The airport offers free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes. There are also several internet kiosks located throughout the lounges and terminals.
ATM counters: Numerous ATMs and cash machines are available throughout the airport for easy access to cash.
Currency exchange: Currency exchange services are available at both the domestic and international terminals, offering great convenience for international travelers.
Computer zone: In addition to modern amenities, the airport also caters to business travelers by offering access to computers with internet, photocopiers, fax machines, and more.
Baby care rooms: Dedicated spaces are available for families with young children. These baby care rooms provide privacy and comfort for both mothers and infants.
Duty-free shopping: A variety of duty-free shops are available, offering everything from books to traditional souvenirs. Travelers can shop for unique gifts right at the airport.

6. How to get from Cochin International Airport to the city center

Cochin International Airport is located about 25km from the city center. After landing, travelers can either take a taxi or hop on a local bus to reach their desired destination within Cochin.

Below is a guide to the transportation options available for getting from Cochin International Airport to the city center:

6.1 By Bus

Buses are one of the most convenient and popular means of transport. Cochin Airport offers three different types of bus services, each tailored to various travel needs:

Express buses: The fastest option to reach downtown, ideal for travelers looking to save time. These buses run frequently every 10 to 20 minutes, with fares ranging from 50 INR to 100 INR.
Stop-over buses: These buses stop at various attractions and major areas en route to the city. They are perfect for tourists who want to explore local culture while commuting. Ticket prices range from 30 INR to 80 INR, depending on the number of stops.
Local buses: These provide a more authentic local travel experience, passing through residential neighborhoods, markets, and commercial areas. They are the cheapest option, with fares starting from just 10 INR to 20 INR.

6.2 By Taxi

Taxi is the most common and convenient mode of transport from Cochin International Airport to the city center. Taxi services at the airport are available 24/7, offering a fast and comfortable travel option. A variety of taxi providers are available with competitive prices and quality service.

6.3 Car Rental

Car rental is an ideal choice for travelers who want the freedom to explore Cochin and surrounding areas at their own pace. It is recommended to book in advance to secure better rates and save time upon arrival.

Note: If you plan to rent a car, make sure to bring your international driver’s license and a credit/debit card for payment. Also, read the rental contract carefully and inspect the car thoroughly for any damages before accepting the vehicle, and report any issues to the rental company.

Upon landing at Cochin International Airport, travelers have various transportation options to reach the city center and start their adventure in Cochin.

We hope the above information about Cochin International Airport, India will be helpful for your upcoming trip to explore India. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Vietjet’s 0 VND flight deal to Cochin every Friday (valid for international ticket bookings). See details HERE.

Also, for the latest schedule of one-way and round-trip flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Cochin International Airport, India, as well as updated fares on new routes, you can visit the following Vietjet channels: