Kochi: The Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has decided to turn its Terminal 2 into three blocks serving business jets, VVIPs, and short staying passengers. The terminal has not been in use since domestic operations were shifted to Terminal 1 in 2019.
The directors' board, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, had approved the plan for conversion, informed S Suhas, CIAL Managing Director (MD). The conversion process is to be started next month. Suhas said that the goal is to accommodate a Business Jet terminal, a VVIP safe house and a transit hotel in Terminal 2. CIAL is lining up short term and long term projects to activate revenue streams, he said.
After Terminal 3 was commissioned, international flight operations were shifted to it from Terminal 1. The latter underwent a renovation process before domestic operations were started there. Terminal 2 was earmarked for future expansion.
According to a press release, a meeting convened by the CIAL MD finalized the blueprint of the expansion plan with a cost-effective renovation of the three blocks. Thirty per cent of the renovated area goes for block one, the Business Jet terminal with three lounges. The block, which will cater to domestic and international jets, will have exclusive customs, immigration, and security holding operations.
The press release further said that Block 2, of 10,000 square feet, will be the VVIP safe house. It will ensure hassle-free passenger movement along with VVIP movement. Block 3, of 60,000 square feet, will provide budget rooms for passengers who intend to have short stays within the airport. The room rent will be calculated hourly, and the dynamic tariff concept is planned to apply.
The statement says that CIAL has planned several value addition projects to enhance the non-aero component of the revenue pie from the current 40% to 60%. These projects are to be completed by 2022.