KOCHI: Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has crossed the Rs500-crore annual net profit mark for the first time, reporting a net profit of Rs502 crore in FY26, up from Rs499 crore a year earlier, on a 6.6 per cent increase in revenue.
The airport operator reported total revenue of Rs1,220 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. CIAL handled 1,14,42,583 passengers and 73,134 aircraft movements during the year, retaining its distinction of handling more than one crore passengers for the fourth consecutive financial year.
The company said its board has decided to diversify into airport consultancy, seeking to leverage its experience in developing and operating an airport as India's aviation infrastructure sector enters a major expansion phase.
CIAL's proposed consultancy portfolio will cover airport master planning, runway development, cargo infrastructure, ground handling services, duty-free operations, commercial development and real estate management.
Specialised consultancy services
The company said more than Rs50,000 crore is expected to be invested in India's airport sector over the next decade. CIAL plans to offer specialised consultancy services to airports across the country, drawing on its operational and development expertise.
The board, which met for the first time under the chairmanship of Chief Minister V D Satheesan, also approved the strategic initiatives. Commerce, Industry and IT Minister P K Kunhalikutty and Higher Education Minister Roji M John joined the board as directors.
CIAL's FY26 passenger traffic remained strong despite what it described as a challenging aviation environment. The airport's ability to sustain traffic above the one-crore mark for a fourth consecutive year provides the operational base for its proposed expansion into consultancy.
The move would also allow CIAL to diversify beyond its core airport operations and potentially monetise the expertise it has accumulated over the years in airport development, infrastructure and commercial management.
