Kochi: Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has reported its highest-ever annual financial performance, registering a record profit of Rs. 500 Crore, for the first time in the company’s history. The Board of Directors, meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri V D Satheesan, approved a series of strategic initiatives, most notably CIAL’s entry into the airport consultancy business, to leverage the country’s rapidly expanding aviation infrastructure sector.
The Board recommended a dividend of 55% for shareholders for the financial year 2025-26, subject to approval at the company’s Annual General Meeting, tentatively scheduled for September.
For the financial year ended March 31, 2026, CIAL reported a total revenue of Rs. 1,220 crore, registering a 6.6% year-on-year growth. Net profit increased from Rs. 499 crore in the previous financial year to Rs. 502 crore, making it the first time the airport operator has recorded an annual profit exceeding Rs. 500 crore. A key decision taken by the Board was to diversify into the airport consultancy segment, positioning CIAL to capitalise on the projected expansion of India’s aviation infrastructure. With investments exceeding Rs. 50,000 crore expected in the country’s airport sector over the next decade, the company intends to offer specialised consultancy services to airports across India.
The proposed consultancy portfolio will encompass airport master planning, runway development, cargo infrastructure, ground handling services, duty-free operations, commercial development and real estate management, drawing upon CIAL’s operational and development expertise built over the years.
CIAL handled 1,14,42,583 passengers during the 2025-26 financial year, while recording 73,134 aircraft movements. The airport also retained its distinction of handling more than one crore passengers for the fourth consecutive financial year, underlining sustained traffic growth despite a challenging aviation environment.