Airports in Kerala: Gateway to God’s Own Country

Every corner of Kerala tells a deep story. The misty mountains of Munnar, the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey and the relaxing beaches of Varkala and Kovalam all invite travellers to explore that. Thankfully, reaching God’s own country is easier than any other destination. There are four major airports in Kerala for both domestic and international tourists. The connectivity is strong, allowing travellers to dive into its culture, beauty and nature at times.

In this guide, we will help you choose the right airport based on your location, itinerary, and the reason your heart wishes to travel to this beautiful place.

Airports in Kerala: A Mini Guide Before We Dive In

The airports in Kerala, India, are clean, peaceful and travel-friendly for all kinds of travellers. It also has one domestic airstrip, which is the highest in India for a single state. Cochin airport is the busiest, whereas Trivandrum airport is the oldest.

Major Airports in Kerala

Each of the four airports of Kerala are well-planned and placed close to all your favourite destinations. Each of them has strong international connectivity as well, especially Southeast Asia, Middle East and Europe.

1. Cochin International Airport (COK) – The Green Gateway

Among all airports at Kerala, Cochin is the most eco-friendly. It is the main airport to places like Munnar, Thekkady and Kochi with both domestic and international connectivity.

• Location: Nedumbassery, about 30 km from Kochi city.
• Highlight: India’s first fully solar-powered airport and one of the busiest in South India.
• Connectivity: Direct flights to major Indian cities and international hubs like Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and London.
• Facilities: Duty-free shops, lounges, currency exchange, and hotels nearby.
• Ideal for: Travellers heading to Munnar, Alleppey, Fort Kochi, and Thekkady.

2. Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) – Southern Gateway to Kerala

Whether you want to explore Ponmudi hills or Kanyakumari, TRV takes you places in God’s Own Country. It is connected well across the important cities of the state and also offers some international routes.

• Location: Nearly 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram city centre.
• Significance: One of India’s oldest airports, close to the capital city and Kovalam Beach.
• Connectivity: Middle Eastern routes and South-East Asian cities; frequent domestic services.
• Facilities: Modern terminals, ATMs, pre-paid taxis, and nearby hotels.
• Ideal for: Tourists visiting Kovalam, Varkala, Poovar, and Kanyakumari (on the Tamil Nadu border).

3. Calicut International Airport (CCJ) – Northern Kerala’s Air Link

An NRI-favourite, CCJ is among the finest international airports in Kerala. From Wayanad to Kozhikode and Beypore port to Guruvayur temple, the airport is close to all.

• Location: Karipur, about 25 km from Kozhikode city.
• Significance: Serves the Malabar region and is a key hub for expatriates travelling to the Gulf.
• Connectivity: Strong Middle Eastern network, including Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Jeddah.
• Facilities: Duty-free shopping, car rentals, and food courts.
• Ideal for: Travellers exploring Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram.

4. Kannur International Airport (CNN) – The New Northern Gateway

For those who are looking to enter Wayanad and Coorg smoothly, CNN is the perfect airport. There’s a modern terminal with important services that are useful for both domestic and foreign travellers.

• Location: Mattannur, about 28 km from Kannur city.
• Significance: One of India’s newest airports, inaugurated in 2018, is rapidly expanding its route network and facilities.
• Connectivity: Expanding domestic and international routes, especially to Gulf countries.
• Facilities: Modern terminals, VIP lounges, and car hire services.
• Ideal for: Visitors to Kannur, Bekal, Thalassery, and Coorg (on the Karnataka border).

Choosing The Right Airport For Your Kerala Trip

Selecting the right airports in Kerala can be time-saving from all sides. Your travel becomes easier with lower costs. It also helps curate a well-thought-out itinerary so you can travel to your favourite places with limited confusion.

For Beach Lovers

1. Trivandrum (Kovalam, Varkala)

If you’re a beach lover who is looking for relaxation and a coastal breeze, Trivandrum airport is the right fit. This one has the most convenient entry point to Kovalam and Varkala among all other airports in Kerala. This means you can reach both these beaches within 25-40 minutes from the airport.

You can get a private car, a cab or a bus to reach these locations directly from the airport. It involves no stress, less travel time and is quite budget-friendly too.

2. Kannur (Bekal, Muzhappilangad Beach)

The Kannur International Airport is for all those who want to travel to Bekal and Muzhappilangad beach. These beaches are calmer with little to no crowd, perfect for romantic and solo travellers. While Bekal is 65-75 km from this airport, Muzhappilangad beach is only 35-40 km away.

If you’re a road trip lover, you can drive to these beaches while enjoying the peaceful breeze. In case you have extra time, you can also visit Kannur and Thalassery for the beautiful heritage they offer.

For Backwaters & Houseboats

• Cochin (Alleppey, Kumarakom)

The backwaters and houseboats of Kerala are its unique features. People from all around the world come to enjoy the stunning beauty it offers. Thankfully, both Alleppey and Kumarkom, which are home to the best backwater houseboats, are close to Cochin International airport.

Among all the other airports in Kerala, this one is only 80-85 km from Alleppey and 70-75 km from Kumarakom. A peaceful road trip via rental cab or bus is good enough to reach these spots and enjoy a peaceful vacation without added expense.

For Hill Station Holidays

1. Cochin (Munnar, Thekkady)

Whether you are travelling for your honeymoon or with family, Kerala’s hill stations are the most peaceful places to travel. Cochin International Airport is close to both Munnar and Thekkady, two of the most popular hill stations here. While Munnar is 110-120 km away, Thekkady is 140-160 km from the major airport in Kerala.

The airport doesn’t just provide easy connectivity; the roads are smoother, offering more scenic routes for travellers than others.

2. Calicut (Wayanad)

Whether you love wildlife spotting, peaceful treks or romantic viewpoints, Wayanad is the place to be. Calicut airport is the closest to the city, offering some of the most beautiful scenic points along the way. Being just 95-110 km away from the airport, it provides smooth transfers using cab or bus.

For Pilgrimage Tours

1. Trivandrum (Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Suchindram)

If you’re a spiritual traveller, hoping for a convenient and peaceful pilgrimage, taking the Trivandrum airport will be wise. It is closest to some of the most important temples in Kerala like Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and Suchindram. Most of these temples are only within 80-90 km radius which means you can easily travel by car or bus.

2. Cochin (Guruvayur Temple, Sabarimala via Pathanamthitta)

If you want to visit the western and central parts of Kerala, Cochin International airport makes for the perfect choice. Temples like Guruvayur and Sabarimala are close by, almost within an 80-160 km distance. Among all other airports in Kerala, it is also the most convenient, offering many amenities and services for your smooth travels.

Domestic & International Connectivity

The four major airports in Kerala that we discussed above are great for travelling in and out of India.

Here are some of the domestic routes you should know about:

• Mumbai: Many flights throughout the day
• Delhi: Daily connections from every airport
• Chennai and Bengaluru: Best for short flights and business trips

These airports in Kerala are also famous for having solid connections with Middle East networks within the country. It provides direct services to Doha, Muscat, Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Riyadh and many more are a part of this network. It also provides many expanding routes to Europe (more seasonal links), Kochi and South East Asia.

The top airlines that function on a regular basis here are:

• IndiGo
• Air India & Air India Express
• Etihad Airways, flydubai and Saudia
• Emirates

Airport Facilities & Travel Tips

Each of these airports in Kerala is designed to provide passengers with utmost comfort during their travels. Whether you are visiting for pilgrimage or solo travelling, these airport facilities and travel tips can help sort your trip:

• Transport Links: Prepaid taxis, KSRTC buses, cab apps, and nearby railway connections.
• Luggage & Services: Baggage wrapping, lounges, prayer rooms, and medical care.
• Currency Exchange: Available at all international airports.
• Wi-Fi & SIM Cards: Free Wi-Fi and local SIM kiosks at arrival halls.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly terminals and assistance desks.
• Safety & Cleanliness: Kerala airports are known for their eco-friendly design and hygiene standards.

Future Developments in Airports in Kerala

Airport upgrades are a constant in Kerala. This means, better connectivity, more expansions and improved airport quality. Let’s look at some of the major developments in airports in Kerala:

• Kannur, Calicut and Cochin are going through terminal expansion which will help manage passenger traffic better.
• Runways, parking bays and aerobridges are also being upgraded to support safer flights.
• Cargo facilities are also improving which will help boost trade.
• Road and rail access is being paid attention.
• Kerala is also investing in its airports to become the fastest-growing global tourism hub.
• Sabarimala airport is also planning to improve its pilgrimage travel

Conclusion

Every airport in Kerala has a unique charm of it’s own. While some are close to the most relaxing beaches, others offer easy access to backwater houseboats and hill stations for a more memorable experience. With clean roads, constant upgrades, and strong connectivity, each airport in the country helps increase Kerala’s reputation are the most travel-friendly destination in India.

If you are ready to plan your holiday to this beautiful country, TravelTriangle’s packages are waiting to help you have the best one ever. Enjoy your trip!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Pexels and Pixabay.

FAQs About Airports In Kerala

People Also Read:

Airports in Karnataka Airports in Tamil Nadu Airports in Gujarat

Ritika Agarwal

Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.