Kochi-Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 23th August, 2025 urged that air travel be made more accessible to the public by reducing travel and operational costs.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Kerala Aviation Summit organised by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

According to him, CIAL has set a public friendly model in the aviation industry by embracing technological change and creating over 30,000 job opportunities.

Strengthening air transport will attract more tourists, he said, adding that Kerala has immense potential to become a civil aviation hub.

The Chief Minister praised the major role airports have played in boosting Kerala’s tourism sector and in providing convenient travel options for the diaspora.

In a press release, Vijayan said there is a need for a planned approach to faster the growth of the aviation industry. He emphasized that capital costs should also be reduced and that travel without time loss must be ensured.

Vijayan also assured that a steps would be taken to ensure investment and innovation opportunities.

Vijayan also inaugurated the Airport Public Health Office (APHO) Health Centre at CIAL. – PTI