Naval Air Enclave (NAE) was inaugurated at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) by Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) on October 5, 2016.

The setting up of a NAE will facilitate the operations of Boeing P-8I aircraft from CIAL to enhance surveillance of area around the western coast and the strategically critical Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands. It would also enable timely assistance to be rendered to the neighbouring countries who share friendly and ancient ties with India. The naval air enclave would be utilised to accommodate and operate aircraft which cannot be operated from INS Garuda due to inadequate runway length available.

Speaking on the occasion, the Admiral said that the inauguration of NAE again revives the bond between the Navy and civil operators which came to a halt with the shifting of civil air operations to CIAL. The naval air station at Garuda is limited in its operations due to space restrictions, bird menace due to very dense human habitation in the vicinity and growing obstructions around the airfield. The establishment of CIAL and the Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL) have offered a unique opportunity to the Indian armed forces to utilise them to meet their growing needs.

The function was attended by Vice Admiral A.R. Karve, AVSM, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command; Rear Admiral R.B. Pandit, Chief of Staff, SNC; Shabeer AM, Executive Director, CIAL; Sony Chacko, Chief Financial Officer, CIAL; K.P. Thankachan, GM (Civil) CIAL; R.F. DÇruz, Airport Director, AAI, besides other service and civilian dignitaries.