Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) announced that its net profit for the financial year ending March 31, 2026, rose to Rs 502 crore. This is the first time the airport operator has earned more than Rs 500 crore in a single year. The profit jump from Rs 499 crore in FY25 shows steady improvement.
Total revenue reached Rs 1,220 crore, a 6.6 per cent increase from the previous year. The growth reflects higher passenger traffic and better utilisation of airport facilities. CIAL attributes the rise to efficient operations and growing demand for air travel.
During FY26, CIAL handled 1,14,42,583 passengers and recorded 73,134 aircraft movements. The airport maintained its streak of handling over one crore passengers for the fourth year in a row. This demonstrates consistent traffic growth even in a challenging aviation environment.
The board of directors met for the first time under the chairmanship of Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The meeting approved several strategic initiatives aimed at expanding the company’s business beyond airport operations. One key initiative is entering the airport consultancy sector.
New directors joined the board, including P K Kunhalikutty, Minister for Commerce, Industry and IT, and Roji M John, Minister for Higher Education. Their presence strengthens CIAL’s governance and ties with government bodies.
CIAL plans to offer consultancy services across the country, leveraging its experience in airport development and operations. The company will focus on master planning, runway development, cargo infrastructure, ground handling, duty‑free operations, commercial development, and real estate management.
India’s airport sector is expected to attract investments of over Rs 50,000 crore in the next decade. By providing specialised consultancy, CIAL aims to capture a share of this expanding market. The move aligns with the government’s push to upgrade aviation infrastructure.
With a strong financial base and a clear growth strategy, CIAL is positioned to benefit from the rapid expansion of India’s aviation network. The company’s diversification into consultancy signals a new chapter in its evolution as a leading airport operator.