Eva makes history as first pet passenger to arrive at Kochi Airport from Doha

Kochi International Airport (CIAL) marked a historic milestone as Eva, a one-year-old mixed-breed cat, became the first pet to land at the airport after obtaining the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) certification. Eva arrived on Air India flight AI 954 from Doha, touching down at 10:17 am on Thursday, November 28.

Eva belongs to K A Ramachandran, a Kerala native who returned to his home state after living in Qatar for 34 years. Sharing his joy, Ramachandran praised the airport’s efficient handling of the customs and immigration process, ensuring a smooth transition for Eva.

CIAL took to X to celebrate the occasion. She said, “Eva enjoys stardom as the first pet imported to CIAL! Eva, the 1-year-old mixed-breed cat, became the first pet to fly from abroad to CIAL. She arrived on Air India’s Doha – Cochin flight AI 954 this morning".

Until recently, pets could only be brought into India through six major airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. CIAL's addition to this list has made importing pets to Kerala more accessible. In July, the airport introduced its ‘Pet Export’ facility, which has rapidly gained traction among travelers. The services include a pet station, veterinary support, and an in-house quarantine centre, streamlining the process for pet owners.

CIAL’s team ensured a hassle-free arrival for Eva, reinforcing the airport's commitment to enhancing passenger experiences. Following Eva’s debut, the airport is preparing to welcome a Belgian dog on November 30, further cementing its reputation as a pet-friendly gateway.

With Eva’s successful journey, CIAL has set a new standard for pet travel, paving the way for more animal companions to reunite with their families in Kerala.