KOCHI: The renovated domestic terminal (T1) of Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) is ready for full-scale operation , as the check-in facility, which was undergoing refurbishment, is ready to welcome passengers. The existing domestic check-in facility at terminal-2 will be shifted to T1 and all passengers of airlines departing after 1pm on Thursday and afterwards will be checked-in through these counters.Though Cial’s renovated terminal was commissioned in early December, the checkin facility was at T2 was not ready as the August flood had disrupted the installation of in-line baggage systems. An official statement released by Cial said that the process of check-in migration from existing T2 to renovated T1 will begin at 10 am on Thursday. The first airline which is slated to use this facility will be Indigo 6E 571 bound to Chennai, departing at 1.05 pm.There will be 56 check-in counters at T1 including four with self-bag-drop-in systems. Apart from this, 10 self-check-in kiosks are also made ready. After the checkin at the ground level of the terminal building, the passengers are guided to security screening which functions at first floor.An arcade showcasing the traditional art forms of Kerala welcomes the passengers on the first floor. It houses a replica of koothambalam with a scene from Duryodhana Vadham kathakali depicting the ‘gambling scene’. The pancha varga basement, fine wooden carvings and detailing on sides makes it all the attractive and unique. The new check-in facility at Terminal-1 will give fillip to the airport’s effort to provide the domestic passengers with the facilities on par with international standards, said the statement.As part of check-in migration, Cial will organize a Kathakali performance on Thursday. ‘Arjujna Vishadvritham ‘ kathakali written by Rajasekhar P Vaikkom will begin at 6 pm. The stage is set at the courtyard of T1, where free access is provided for both passengers and public. Prominent artists like Kottaykal Madhu, Kalamandalam Balasubrahmanyan, Kalamandalam Rajashekharan, Kalamandalam Krishnamumar along with Eroor Vykundeswaram Kathakali Yogam will present the dance drama.

Stay updated with all the Latest Kochi headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.