The state of Kerala is located in the southern part of India, more specifically, on the Malabar Coast. National Geographic`s Traveler Magazine labeled Kerala as one of the "ten paradises of the world" in the year 2012. Kerala`s beaches, backwaters, lakes, mountain ranges, hills, waterfalls, museums, ancient ports and religious institutions have lent beauty and popularity to the state. To reach Kerala, a number of airports have been established in the state.
Trivandrum International Airport
Trivandrum International Airport is located at a distance of about 4 kilometers from the city of Trivandrum. This airport is operated by Airports Authority of India. It is the first airport of Kerala and was declared the fifth international airport of India in 1991 by the then Prime Minister of India, V. P. Singh. This airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 takes care of the domestic flight operations (except Air India) and Terminal 2 looks after all international flight operations as well as all domestic flights by Air India. This airport links places like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Pathanamthitta and Kanyakumari to other parts of India and the world.
Cochi International Airport
Cochi International Airport is located in Nedumbassery. It has the distinction of being the first fully solar energy depended airport of the world. This airport serves the city of Kochi. This airport which is a joint venture has been constructed in traditional Kerala style of architecture. Setting up of this airport has proved to be fruitful for a wide range of industries in Kochi and has also consolidated the transportation and infrastructure of the city. This airport became famous as three national highways of Kochi are located in its vicinity.
Calicut International Airport
Calicut International Airport is located in Karipur. Its passenger traffic has made it the twelfth busiest airport of India. On 2nd February 2006, this airport received international airport status. This airport serves the cities of Kozhikkode and Malappuram and also serves as an operating base for Air India Express. This airport became the first airport to be provided with a runway lead-in lighting system by Airports Authority of India.
INS Garuda
INS Garuda is a naval air station situated near Kochi. It is operated by the Indian Navy and was commissioned on 11th of May, 1953. This airport has the distinction of being the oldest operating air station of the Indian Navy. It functions as major naval air training center and an operational base. More specifically, INS Garuda is equipped to provide training in air-borne anti-submarine operations. This airport has been provided with 2 intersecting runways.
