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CCJ · large airport

Calicut International Airport

Calicut, India

Airports
CCJlarge airport

Calicut International Airport

Calicut, India
Explore Calicut city guide Navigate to this airport
31
Routes out
18
Destinations
VOCL
ICAO
342 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Kerala's northern gateway serving the Malabar Coast.

Opened
1988
Location
Kozhikode, India
Calicut International Airport, officially known as Calicut International Airport (CCJ/VOCL), is located near Karipur village in Malappuram district, Kerala, India. It serves the northern Kerala cities of Kozhikode (Calicut) and Malappuram, as well as surrounding regions, and is a key hub for air travel to and from the Gulf countries. The airport handles a significant volume of traffic driven by the large Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community from Kerala working in the Middle East. It operates international routes primarily to Gulf destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Riyadh, and Doha, as well as domestic routes to major Indian cities. Operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airport has undergone several expansions to accommodate growing passenger traffic. It remains one of the busiest airports in Kerala alongside Cochin and Trivandrum international airports.
Terminals
The airport has a single integrated terminal handling both domestic and international operations.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to Kozhikode city, approximately 25 km away, primarily by taxi, auto-rickshaw, and private bus services; no dedicated rail link exists.
Airlines here
Major carriers include Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air Arabia, Emirates, flydubai, Air India Express, and Oman Air.
Notable facts
  • ›Located in Karipur, Malappuram district, despite being named after the city of Calicut (Kozhikode).
  • ›One of the first international airports in Kerala, inaugurated in 1988.
  • ›A significant share of traffic consists of Gulf-bound migrant workers from northern Kerala.
  • ›The airport sits on a plateau, making it one of the higher-elevation airports in Kerala.
  • ›It is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Official website Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to Kerala's Malabar Coast, where spice routes meet modern skies

Calicut International Airport, also known as Kozhikode International Airport, serves the historic Malabar region of northern Kerala and is one of the busiest airports in the state. Established in 1988, it holds the distinction of being India's first international airport outside a state capital. The airport plays a vital role in connecting the large Keralite diaspora in the Gulf countries, handling significant volumes of international traffic to the Middle East.

Terminals
  • Integrated Terminal — A single modern terminal handling both domestic and international departures and arrivals under one roof.
Ground Transport
  • Pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs available at the designated pickup zone outside arrivals
  • Kerala KSRTC buses operate services connecting the airport to Kozhikode city and nearby towns
  • Private car rentals available through agencies at or near the terminal
  • Auto-rickshaws available for short distances near the airport periphery
  • Hotel shuttle services offered by select nearby properties on request
Nearby Hotels
  • Hyatt Regency Kozhikode
  • Fortune Hotel Malabar
  • Kadavu Resort & Ayurveda
  • Hotel Marriott Kozhikode
  • The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Calicut
Dining

Inside the terminal, passengers can find a mix of Kerala cuisine and standard airport fare through outlets operated by concessionaires, including South Indian meals and snacks. Outside the airport, the road toward Kozhikode city offers local eateries serving the region's famous Malabar biryani, seafood, and traditional Kerala breakfast items. The city centre, about 25 kilometres away, provides a wide range of restaurants for those with time to explore.

Traveller Tips
  • Arrive at least 3 hours before Gulf-bound international flights as security and immigration queues can be long during peak hours.
  • Currency exchange counters are available inside the terminal, but rates in the city may be more favourable.
  • The airport is approximately 25 km from Kozhikode city centre; account for traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
  • Carry small denominations of Indian rupees for auto-rickshaws and tips, as change can be difficult to find outside the terminal.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

India Airport Guide

Full CCJ portal on IndianAirports.com
Getting there · 28 km to city
TaxiConvenient taxi services available at the airport.Approx. ₹800 to ₹1200 to Kozhikode city.
Airport ShuttleRegular shuttle service to major hotels and key locations.₹300 per person.
Private Car HirePre-booked private cars available for comfortable travel.Varies by service provider.
Local BusGovernment and private buses connect the airport to the city.₹50 to ₹100.
Hotels near CCJ
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa · 22 kmWestway Hotel · 25 kmKovilakam Residency · 30 kmThe Malabar House · 29 kmHotel Royal Castle · 27 km
Traveler tips
  • • Arrive at least 2 hours before your international flight.
  • • Keep your travel documents ready for verification.
  • • Check the airport's website for flight updates before leaving for the airport.

Last verified 2026-09-02 · IndianAirports.com, powered by TravelerPulse.

Route map (18 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

CCJ → AUH9W · 320
CCJ → BOM9W · 738
CCJ → COKAI · 744
CCJ → DXBAI · 321
CCJ → RUHAI · 77W
CCJ → SHJAI · 321
CCJ → CJBAI · 321
CCJ → JEDAI · 744
CCJ → DXBEK · 332 772
CCJ → AUHEY · 320
CCJ → SHJG9 · 320
CCJ → AUHIX · 738
CCJ → COKIX · 738
CCJ → DMMIX · 738
CCJ → KWIIX · 738
CCJ → AANIX · 738
CCJ → BAHIX · 738
CCJ → BOMIX · 738
CCJ → DXBIX · 738
CCJ → IXEIX · 738
CCJ → MCTIX · 738
CCJ → SHJIX · 738
CCJ → SLLIX · 738
CCJ → DOHQR · 320 321
CCJ → BOMS2 · 738
CCJ → MAASG · DH8
CCJ → BLRSG · DH8
CCJ → DMMSV · 772
CCJ → JEDSV · 772
CCJ → RUHSV · 772
CCJ → MCTWY · 738
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Calicut International Airport
Encyclopaedia

Calicut International Airport, locally referred to as Karipur Airport, is an international airport serving the city of Kozhikode in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated at Karippur, Malappuram 28 km (17 mi) away from Kozhikode city. The airport opened on 13 April 1988, serves as an operating base for Air India Express. It is tied with Hyderabad in terms of international traffic. It received the international airport status on 2 February 2006. It is one of the few airports in the country with a tabletop runway.

Read full article on Wikipedia