Calicut International Airport

Calicut International Airport (CCJ), also known as Karipur Airport, serves as the main aerial gateway to the historic Malabar region and the colourful city of Kozhikode in southern India. It is not merely a transport hub, but the starting point for a journey through the picturesque lands of Kerala state. Having received international status in 2006, the airport has become a vital centre for flights connecting South India with the Middle East. Its hallmark is the unique "tabletop" runway situated atop a plateau, making every landing and takeoff particularly spectacular.

Calicut Airport plays a key role in the region's transport system, serving as an operating base for the airline Air India Express. Despite its compact size, the terminal offers all necessary amenities for a comfortable journey: there are currency exchange counters, ATMs, car rental desks, and several cafes where you can have a snack while waiting for your flight. A small duty-free shop operates for passengers on international routes. Thanks to its strategic location and well-developed connections with Middle Eastern cities such as Dubai, Doha, and Muscat, the airport is highly popular among both tourists and business travellers heading to the state of Kerala.

• Official Website: For the latest information, flight schedules, and services, visit the official airport portal managed by the Airports Authority of India: www.aai.aero/en/airports/calicut.
• Helpline Phone: For general enquiries, you can contact +91-483-2712630. For more specific requests related to terminal operations, it is recommended to call the Terminal Manager: +91-483-2719491.
• Airport Address: Calicut Airport P.O, Karipur, Kerala 673647, India.
• Email: For official enquiries, you can use the email address of the Airport Director's office: apdcalicut@aai.aero.
• Social Media: The airport maintains official pages on social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where current news and updates for passengers are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact the representative of the airline you flew with. Additional information can be obtained from the airport's Lost and Found service.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions related to airport services, please contact the main helpline numbers or staff at the information desks within the terminal.

Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is located in Karipur, approximately 28 kilometres from the city centre of Kozhikode. You can reach it in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The journey from the city to the airport usually takes between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use the state-run KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses. Special low-floor air-conditioned buses regularly ply between the airport and key points in the city, including the bus station and railway station. This is an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers not burdened with a large amount of luggage. It is worth noting that there is no direct rail or metro connection to the terminal.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the optimal solution. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the departure terminal, especially if you are travelling with family or heavy luggage. Mobile taxi-hailing apps such as Uber and Ola are popular in India and offer competitive prices. Additionally, you can use the official pre-paid taxi services. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus, but it ensures maximum convenience.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you might consider car rental. Several car rental companies have offices both in the city and at the airport. This option is convenient if you plan to explore the surroundings of Kozhikode before your flight. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is provided, offering both short-term and long-term vehicle storage options.

Important Tip: Regardless of the transport chosen, always allow extra time for the journey. Traffic in this region of India can be quite heavy, especially during peak hours. If you are travelling light and want to save money, choose the bus. If speed and comfort are your priorities, do not hesitate to book a taxi.

Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is a modern and relatively compact complex, making navigation quite simple. In fact, passenger operations are handled within a single integrated building, which is functionally divided into two main sections: the Domestic terminal and the International terminal.

Since both terminals are under one roof, transfers between them do not require transport—you simply walk from one section to the other. The airport layout is logical: departure and arrival zones are clearly demarcated. Generally, check-in counters and baggage claim areas are located on the lower levels, while waiting lounges, boarding gates, and security screening zones are on the upper levels. Signage in English and Malayalam will help you find your way.

The International Terminal is equipped with everything necessary for passing border and customs controls. It serves flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Domestic Terminal provides connections to major Indian cities. Despite the overall simplicity, it is worth keeping a close eye on the departure boards to avoid confusing your check-in zone.

For completing all formalities (check-in, baggage drop, immigration control, and security screening), it is recommended to allow standard time: about 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights and 2-3 hours for international flights. Queues are possible during peak hours, so it is better to arrive with time to spare. Overall, thanks to its clear layout and small size, Kozhikode Airport leaves a pleasant impression and does not cause navigation difficulties even for first-time visitors.

The history of Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur Airport, began relatively recently, but it is rich with significant development milestones. The airport was inaugurated on 13 April 1988 to meet the acute need for air connectivity for the Malabar region in the state of Kerala, India. Initially, it functioned as a domestic airfield with a short runway, primarily serving flights to Mumbai.

A key moment in the airport's history was receiving international status. On 2 February 2006, the airport was officially declared international, opening a new era for the entire region. This event significantly boosted economic and tourism ties, especially with the Gulf countries, where a large number of expatriates from Kerala work. The first international flights connected Kozhikode with the Middle East, strengthening its position on the global aviation map.

Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation. Reconstruction and extension of the runway were carried out to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft. Terminals were also built and expanded, including a modern international terminal, to cope with growing passenger traffic. An interesting fact: Calicut Airport belongs to the "tabletop" category (an airfield on top of a hill or plateau), making it one of the most picturesque, yet technically demanding for piloting in the country.

One of the airport's significant achievements is its role as one of India's main hubs for the departure of pilgrims performing Hajj. Every year, thousands of believers depart from here, for whom special charter flights are organised. This fact highlights not only the transport but also the cultural significance of the airport for the local population. Constant infrastructure development and the drive to meet global standards make Calicut Airport an important transport hub in South India.

Calicut International Airport (CCJ) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make their stay as comfortable as possible. Within the airport terminals, you will find everything you need for both a short wait for a flight and a longer stay.

For those feeling hungry, various cafes and restaurants are available, where you can try both local Indian cuisine and familiar international snacks. In the departure zone, there are Duty Free shops with a rich selection of perfumes, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and souvenirs. Here you can buy gifts for loved ones or a memento of your trip to India.

Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of business lounges and VIP lounges. They offer a quieter atmosphere, complimentary drinks and snacks, fresh newspapers, and comfortable workspaces. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous power outlets and special charging stations are provided for gadgets.

Financial matters can be settled right at the airport. There are functioning bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange counters where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, passengers can seek assistance at the medical centre, which operates around the clock.

For families with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. The airport also provides services for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps and special restrooms are available, and assistance and wheelchairs can be requested through the airline.

If you need rest between flights, several hotels offering various levels of comfort are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Many of them offer transfer services. For business travellers, these hotels typically provide conference halls and business centres for holding meetings and events.

At Calicut International Airport (CCJ), travellers will find various dining options to help them refuel before departure or relax after arrival. Food outlets are located in both the international and domestic terminals, offering dishes to suit every taste and budget.

Most restaurants and cafes are concentrated in the general food court, which is accessible to all passengers. Here you can find fast-food outlets serving sandwiches and pastries, as well as restaurants offering full meals. This is an excellent opportunity to try South Indian dishes, especially from the Kerala region. Look out for local biryani, various curries, and traditional snacks such as vada or banana chips.

Dining options are available in both the public area (before security check) and the secure departure zone. If you have plenty of time before your flight, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants in the arrival zone or on the upper levels of the terminal. For those in a hurry, coffee shops and small snack bars operate in the departure zone after security, where you can quickly grab a coffee and a bite to eat.

The airport caters to various dietary preferences. Vegetarian dishes are widely represented, which is the norm for South India. Halal food is also easy to find. Vegan or gluten-free options may be more challenging to find, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with restaurant staff. Prices in airport establishments are moderate, and the opening hours of most are synchronised with flight schedules, with some key food outlets open 24/7.

When planning a journey through Calicut International Airport, there are several points to consider to make your trip as comfortable as possible. For domestic flights within India, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, and for international flights, 3-4 hours prior. This will give you enough time to calmly complete all formalities, especially during peak hours. To save time, take advantage of the online check-in option offered by most airlines. This allows you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security check zone.

Standard international rules apply during security checks at Kozhikode airport. Ensure that all liquids in your hand luggage are in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Electronic devices such as laptops and power banks will need to be removed from your bag for separate scanning. Please note that strict rules often apply in India regarding power banks: they must be carried only in hand luggage and not in checked baggage.

Seat selection on the plane can significantly affect your comfort. If you want to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. If the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs is important to you, an aisle seat is more suitable. Passengers with short connections are advised to choose seats in the front of the cabin to disembark faster upon arrival. Some websites and apps allow you to study the aircraft seating plan in advance and choose the most convenient seat.

For passengers transiting through Calicut, it is important to check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and re-check it for the next flight. Usually, when flying with the same airline or alliance, luggage is checked through to the final destination. Keep your boarding passes and passports handy for quick transit checks. During long layovers, explore the airport's facilities: there are cafes, shops, and waiting lounges where you can rest.

When passing through customs upon arrival, be prepared to declare goods exceeding established limits, as well as large amounts of foreign currency. To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security. Although bank cards are accepted at the airport, having a small amount of Indian Rupees is useful for minor expenses.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for the latest information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses—they may be needed for compensation claims. Enquire about paid business lounges; sometimes the comfort they offer during a long wait fully justifies the cost.