Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has appointed global engineering and consulting firm Jacobs to develop a 25-year master plan for Cochin International Airport in Kochi, Kerala.
The long-term development roadmap will focus on expanding airport capacity, improving operational performance and strengthening sustainability as the airport prepares for future passenger and cargo demand.
The master plan will guide the future development of Cochin International Airport, recognised as the world’s first fully solar-powered airport.
It is also expected to reinforce the airport’s position as a major gateway for tourism, trade and economic activity across Kerala and the surrounding region.
Jacobs will combine its global aviation expertise and multidisciplinary advisory capabilities to prepare a comprehensive development framework for the airport.
The plan will establish a long-term roadmap to address changing aviation requirements while building on Cochin International Airport’s existing leadership in sustainable airport operations.
Jacobs Executive Vice President Sinead Giblin said: “Strategic aviation infrastructure is essential to supporting regional connectivity, economic growth and sustainable development. This master plan will prepare Cochin International Airport for future passenger and cargo demand while building on its leadership in sustainable airport operations.
By combining global aviation capabilities and multidisciplinary advisory services, we will establish a resilient framework that delivers lasting value for travelers, businesses and communities across the region.”
Jacobs to Develop Environmental and Social Impact Framework
Alongside infrastructure and capacity planning, Jacobs will develop an environmental and social impact assessment framework to guide future development at Cochin International Airport.
The framework will help Cochin International Airport Limited balance its day-to-day airport operations with environmental sustainability and community priorities as the airport expands and evolves over the coming decades.
The assessment framework will form part of the broader 25-year master planning exercise, ensuring that future infrastructure development considers environmental and social factors alongside operational requirements.
Jacobs to Lead Airport Master Planning from India
Jacobs will lead the Cochin International Airport master planning assignment through its India operations, with support from specialists based in the United Kingdom.
The collaboration will bring together local market knowledge and international aviation planning experience to support CIAL’s long-term development objectives.
For Cochin International Airport, the 25-year master plan represents a significant step towards defining its infrastructure requirements, future capacity and sustainability priorities.
The exercise is intended to provide a structured development roadmap as the airport prepares for future passenger and cargo traffic.
Cochin International Airport Limited Airport Director Manu G said: “The development of a 25-year master plan is a significant milestone in shaping CIAL’s long-term vision and future growth.
We look forward to working with Jacobs, leveraging its global expertise to achieve CIAL’s aspiration in becoming the key to Kerala embracing sustainable and resilient development over the coming decades.”
The appointment brings Jacobs into the long-term infrastructure planning process for Cochin International Airport, with the assignment covering airport development, operational performance, future traffic requirements and sustainability considerations.
