Cochin International Airport introduces Pet Export Service

Dubai: If you are a pet parent who frequents India, good news! The Cochin International Airport has introduced pet export services, meaning pet owners who are travelling internationally will not have to leave their pets behind. A Lhasa Apso pup named ‘Luka’ was the first pet to fly from Kochi to Dubai via Doha, according to a Cochin International Airport (CIAL) release. The flight and pet cargo shipment were managed by Qatar Airways. 

S Suhas, Managing Director of CIAL, emphasized the management's goal to furnish Cochin airport with the same world-class facilities found in India’s largest airports. "We are trying to offer a comprehensive package to our passengers. As part of this, all passenger touch points have been automated and various value-added facilities have been established. The implementation of the animal import facility is underway. Also, sophisticated security systems like full body scanners will be introduced soon," Suhas said.

First Pet Import to Dubai from Kochin 

The imported Lhasa Apso, Luka, belongs to Rajesh Susheelan and Kavitha Rajesh, who are originally from Thiruvanantapuram. Rajesh, who manages a business in Dubai, arranged for Luka’s relocation from Kochi to Dubai. Earlier, this process would be more complicated, as not all airports are granted permission to export pets. With this trip, Cochin Airport became the only airport in Kerala that has been granted permission to ship pets overseas; Previously, CIAL had authorization only for the departure and arrival of pets on domestic journeys. 

To achieve this milestone, CIAL has built a 24-hour air-conditioned pet station, a special cargo section, veterinary doctor on call, a customs clearance center, and a facilitation center for people accompanying their pets during pet export. All these facilities are crucial to be able to facilitate international pet travel; now, pets can be exported as cargo from Kochi to all international destinations. 

With the export operations established, the CIAL is now seeking permission for the import of pet animals from abroad. To do this, a special “Animal Quarantine” center is being established, to comply with the international pet import and pet safety laws. The CIAL already has permission to import & export fruits and plants, with a “plant quarantine” center already operational near the cargo section.