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Airport Transportation

Calicut International Airport

Also known as: Calicut Airport, Kozhikode Airport, CCJ Airport, Karipur Airport.

CCJ · VOCL · Kozhikode

Airport facts

Name
Calicut International Airport
IATA code
CCJ
ICAO code
VOCL
City
Kozhikode
Country
India
Address
Calicut Airport P.O., Karipur, Malappuram District, Kerala 673647, India
Coordinates
11.1361, 75.9550
Time zone
Asia/Kolkata
Terminals
Two passenger terminals: International Terminal and Domestic Terminal

About Calicut International Airport

Calicut International Airport (CCJ), also called Kozhikode Airport or Karipur Airport, serves Kozhikode (Calicut) and the Malabar region of northern Kerala, India. Most of its flights link Kerala with the Gulf: Air India Express, which has a base here, flies to cities in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, alongside Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, flydubai, flynas, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, SalamAir and Saudia. IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet connect Calicut with Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi and Hyderabad, and AirAsia flies to Kuala Lumpur.

The airport has an International Terminal and a smaller Domestic Terminal, and one runway on a plateau above the surrounding countryside.

Calicut International Airport is not in Kozhikode itself. It stands at Karipur, near the town of Kondotty in Malappuram district, beside National Highway 66, about 28 km southeast of Kozhikode city center and about 20 km from Malappuram town. Travelers landing here head to Kozhikode city, Kozhikode Beach and Calicut railway station, to Kondotty, Malappuram, Manjeri and Tirur, and further inland to the hills of Wayanad.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Airports Authority of India (AAI)

Passengers per year

About 3.86 million in the financial year April 2025 to March 2026

Runway

One runway, 10/28, about 2,860 m long

Opened

13 April 1988; international airport status from 2 February 2006

Main airline

Air India Express (operating base)

Arrival tips for Calicut International Airport

After an international flight, follow the Arrivals signs to immigration in the International Terminal. Foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, must complete India's e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before landing and should hold an e-Visa or other valid visa; Indian citizens need only their passport. Have your passport and e-Arrival confirmation ready at the counter.

Collect your bags at the baggage claim belts, then pass through customs. Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and the Red Channel if you carry goods over the duty-free allowance. Domestic passengers arrive at the Domestic Terminal and go straight to baggage claim.

Outside the arrivals exit you will find the prepaid taxi counter, app-based cab pickups and waiting drivers. Use the official prepaid counter or a pre-arranged pickup rather than accepting rides offered at the exit. India is on India Standard Time (UTC+5:30) all year, and the currency is the Indian rupee (INR); exchange counters and ATMs are in the terminal.

Ground transportation

Prepaid taxis and pre-booked transfers suit most travelers, since buses from the airport are infrequent.

  • Prepaid taxi from Calicut airport

    Book at the prepaid taxi counter outside arrivals and pay before you set off. The ride to Kozhikode city covers about 28 km on National Highway 66, and the time depends on traffic.

  • App-based cabs

    App-based cab services pick up outside the terminals. Availability can be patchy late at night, when many Gulf flights land.

  • Private transfer

    Pre-booked drivers meet passengers at the arrivals exit and drive directly to homes and hotels in Kozhikode, Malappuram and beyond. It suits families with heavy Gulf luggage and travelers heading to Wayanad.

  • KSRTC bus

    Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses link the airport area with Kozhikode. Services run a few hours apart and are hard going with large bags.

  • Car rental

    Car rental services operate at the airport for travelers who want to drive themselves around Malabar.

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Moving between terminals

The International and Domestic terminals are separate buildings on the same airport site.

  1. Walking

    The terminals are close together on the landside, so passengers changing between an international and a domestic flight collect their bags, exit and walk to the other terminal to check in again.

  2. Airport trolleys

    Free luggage trolleys are available at both terminals for the walk between buildings.

Terminals

International Terminal

Handles all international arrivals and departures, mainly flights to and from the Gulf, plus Kuala Lumpur. International arrivals use a two-story arrival building opened in 2019, with its own immigration, customs and baggage claim.

Domestic Terminal

A smaller terminal for flights within India, used by IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet on their domestic routes.

Airlines and destinations

Airlines flying to and from Calicut International Airport. Airlines with both domestic and international routes use the terminal that matches each flight.

Air Arabia International Terminal

Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi International Terminal

Abu Dhabi

Air India Express

Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Bengaluru, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh, Salalah, Sharjah

Airline guide

AirAsia International Terminal

Kuala Lumpur

Akasa Air

Bengaluru, Jeddah, Mumbai

Etihad Airways International Terminal

Abu Dhabi

flydubai International Terminal

Dubai

flynas International Terminal

Riyadh

IndiGo

Abu Dhabi, Agatti, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dammam, Delhi, Dubai, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kochi, Mumbai

Oman Air International Terminal

Muscat

Qatar Airways International Terminal

Doha

SalamAir International Terminal

Muscat

Saudia International Terminal

Riyadh

SpiceJet

Dubai, Mumbai, Fujairah (seasonal)

Facilities

  • Currency exchange

    Currency exchange and banking counters are in the terminals, useful for changing Gulf currencies into Indian rupees on arrival.

  • ATMs

    ATMs and cash machines are available in the terminal buildings.

  • Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminals.

  • Medical center

    A medical center serves passengers at the airport.

  • Prayer rooms

    Prayer rooms are provided in the international arrival building.

  • Child care rooms

    Child care rooms are available for parents traveling with babies.

  • Duty-free shopping

    Duty-free shops operate in the International Terminal.

  • Food and drink

    Restaurants, cafes and kiosks operate in the terminals.

  • Baggage wrapping

    Baggage wrapping is available for checked luggage.

  • Luggage trolleys

    Free trolleys are available for passengers.

Airport lounges

  • Bird Lounge, International Terminal

    Airside after security on level 1, near Gate 1, for departing international passengers. Open 24 hours; access listed for Priority Pass and some Visa and Mastercard cardholders, so check entry terms before you travel.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Ask your airline for assistance when you book, or at least 48 hours before your flight, so the airport and airline can arrange help from check-in to the aircraft.

  • Reduced mobility

    Wheelchairs and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility are available at both terminals on request through your airline.

  • Hearing and visual support

    Tell your airline about hearing or visual needs when you book so staff can guide you through check-in, security and boarding.

  • Service animals

    Rules for service animals are set by each airline; confirm with your airline before booking.

Parking

Short-term and long-term parking are available at the airport. Check current rates with the Airports Authority of India before you travel.

Airport parking area

Public parking for cars is available on the landside at the terminal buildings, for drop-offs, pickups and longer stays.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Calicut airport from Kozhikode city?

Calicut International Airport is about 28 km southeast of Kozhikode (Calicut) city center, at Karipur near Kondotty in Malappuram district. The airport sits beside National Highway 66, the main road into the city, and Calicut railway station is roughly 28 to 30 km away. Travel time depends on traffic along the highway and in the city, so allow extra time at busy hours.

Is Calicut airport the same as Kozhikode or Karipur airport?

Yes. Calicut International Airport (CCJ) is also called Kozhikode Airport, after the city's official name, and Karipur Airport, after the village where it stands. All three names refer to the same airport, which sits near Kondotty in Malappuram district, Kerala. Check that your ticket shows the code CCJ, the airport's IATA code.

Where is Calicut International Airport located?

Calicut International Airport is at Karipur, near Kondotty, in Malappuram district of Kerala, India. It is about 28 km southeast of Kozhikode city and about 20 km from Malappuram town. The postal address is Calicut Airport P.O., Malappuram District, Kerala 673647. Although it carries Calicut's name, the airport lies outside Kozhikode district.

How many terminals does Calicut airport have?

Calicut International Airport has two passenger terminals: an International Terminal for flights to and from the Gulf and Southeast Asia, and a smaller Domestic Terminal for flights within India. The international arrival building, opened in 2019, has its own immigration, customs and baggage claim areas. Check your boarding pass or airline to see which terminal your flight uses.

Which airlines fly from Calicut airport?

Air India Express has a base at Calicut International Airport and flies to many Gulf cities and to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet serve Indian cities and the Gulf. Air Arabia, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, flydubai, flynas, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, SalamAir and Saudia fly from the Gulf, and AirAsia flies to Kuala Lumpur.

Where can I fly to from Calicut airport?

Most international flights from Calicut go to the Gulf: Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, Doha, Muscat, Salalah, Bahrain, Kuwait City, Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. AirAsia flies to Kuala Lumpur. Domestic flights link Calicut with Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi and Agatti in Lakshadweep, among other cities.

How busy is Calicut International Airport?

Calicut International Airport handled about 3.86 million passengers in the financial year April 2025 to March 2026, up about 4.3 percent on the previous year, according to Airports Authority of India figures. It recorded about 25,700 aircraft movements and about 17,800 tonnes of cargo in the same period. Most passengers travel on routes to and from the Gulf.

Who operates Calicut airport?

Calicut International Airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). It opened on 13 April 1988 and received international airport status on 2 February 2006. The airport has one runway, 10/28, about 2,860 m long, built on a plateau above the surrounding countryside. Air India Express uses Calicut as an operating base.

Do foreign visitors need an e-Arrival card for India?

Yes. Foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, must complete India's e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before landing instead of a paper disembarkation card. It is free on the Indian Visa Online portal, the Bureau of Immigration website or the Su-Swagatam app. Indian citizens traveling on an Indian passport do not need it.

Do I need a visa to fly into Calicut?

Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India. Citizens of many countries can apply for an e-Visa online through the official Indian Visa Online portal before travel, and Calicut International Airport handles e-Visa arrivals. OCI cardholders do not need a visa. Check the current rules for your nationality on the official portal, and complete the e-Arrival card as well.

Is there a lounge at Calicut airport?

Yes. Bird Lounge is in the International Terminal, airside after security near Gate 1, and opens 24 hours for departing international passengers. Access is listed for Priority Pass and some Visa and Mastercard cardholders; check entry terms before you travel. No separate lounge is listed in the Domestic Terminal.

How do I get from Calicut airport to the city?

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs wait outside the terminals, and car rental is available at the airport. KSRTC buses link the airport area with Kozhikode, but services are infrequent and less convenient with luggage. A pre-booked private transfer is the simplest way to reach a hotel or home in Kozhikode, Malappuram or further away, especially after a late-night Gulf flight.

What time zone is Calicut airport in?

Calicut airport is on India Standard Time (IST), UTC+5:30, all year, with no daylight saving time. Travelers arriving from the Gulf gain 1 hour 30 minutes from UAE and Oman time and 2 hours 30 minutes from Saudi, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain time. The currency is the Indian rupee (INR), and currency exchange counters and ATMs are available at the airport.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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