Eva, a pet cat, has made history by becoming the first animal to enter India through Kochi International Airport. This milestone follows the inauguration of a dedicated Animal Quarantine Certification Service (AQCS) at the airport in October 2024.
Previously, animals could only be imported into India through six select airports, such as Chennai and Hyderabad, which were equipped with AQCS facilities. This certification ensures that imported animals do not pose a risk of spreading exotic diseases.
Eva, a one-year-old mixed-breed cat, arrived from Doha, Qatar, on November 28, 2024, on Air India flight AI 954. The cat belongs to K.A. Ramachandran from Chelakkara, Thrissur district. Her safe arrival marks a significant achievement for Kochi Airport, fulfilling a long-standing request from passengers in Kerala who wanted a local point of entry for pets.
In June 2024, Kochi Airport had already made headlines by becoming the first airport to facilitate the export of an animal, with the departure of Luka, a Lhasa Apso puppy.
The airport has introduced several new facilities to support pet travel, including a dedicated pet handling section, an air-conditioned station for animals, and a veterinarian on call.
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