Kochi: Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) is launching CIAL 2.0, a Rs.200-crore digital transformation initiative that positions the airport as a trailblazer in smart aviation infrastructure. This landmark project aims to revolutionise passenger experience and operational efficiency through cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and cybersecurity.
At the heart of this transformation is the Cyber Defence Operations Centre (CDOC), India’s first on-premises, airport-based cybersecurity facility. Developed in collaboration with CDAC, the CDOC provides 24×7 real-time monitoring, threat intelligence, and rapid incident response. Designed to detect and neutralise digital threats, CDOC sets a national benchmark in aviation cybersecurity.
Security and convenience converge with new-age upgrades such as AI-based surveillance systems, full-body scanners, and the Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS). Over 4,000 AI-enabled cameras now monitor critical zones, while the ATRS enhances efficiency at security checkpoints, reducing wait times and manual effort.
Passengers will benefit from an array of smart services under the Innovation Suite, including Facial Recognition Check-in, AI-based baggage tracking, FindMe lost item tracker, and prepaid cab kiosks. The integration of Bar-Coded Boarding Pass (BCBP) and DigiYatra simplifies boarding, redefining convenience for today’s tech-savvy traveller.
CIAL 2.0 is also introducing a Next-Gen Security Infrastructure, featuring advanced Bomb Detection and Disposal Systems (BDDS), including liquid explosive detectors, portable X-ray devices, and Threat Containment Vessels (TCVs).
To support these advancements, CIAL has overhauled its core digital systems, including a modernised Airport Operational Database (AODB), Flight Information Display System (FIDS), and Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS). A hyper-converged data centre and upgraded network infrastructure ensure seamless, fail-safe connectivity across all operations.