Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) facilitated its first successful import of pets under the newly acquired Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) certification. ‘Eva’, a one year old, mixed breed female cat, arrived safely from Doha, on the Air India flight, AI 954, landing at Cochin International Airport at 10:17 AM. Eva is the beloved pet of Mr. K.A. Ramachandran, a native of Chelakkara, Thrissur. The direct import process was handled smoothly by CIAL’s team, ensuring a seamless journey for both Eva and her owner. Expressing his satisfaction with the experience, Mr. Ramachandran stated, “CIAL provided excellent service. The customs and immigration procedures were cleared hassle-free, and the entire process was well-coordinated. I’m grateful for the smooth handling of my beloved pet’s arrival.”
CIAL introduced its 'Pet Export' facility in July this year, which has already seen significant use by passengers. With approval from the 'Animal Quarantine & Certification Service' (A.Q.C.S.) under the Central Animal Husbandry Department, CIAL is currently the only airport in Kerala offering pet import-export services. Major facilities at CIAL include a fully-equipped pet station, veterinary services, and a quarantine center. Another pet, a dog from Belgium, is set to arrive early on the morning of Saturday, 30th November. Passengers are advised to contact the airlines or cargo handling agencies to arrange pet import-export services from abroad. For detailed information on the process, visit https://aqcsindia.gov.in.