The interiors of Mangaluru International Airport has witnessed several key developments since its take over by Mangaluru International Airport Ltd., on PPP basis in October 2020 in Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit: ANIL KUMAR SASTRY
Mangaluru International Airport Ltd., operator of Mangaluru International Airport, commemorates five years of transformative growth with a focus on safety and operational excellence since its Commercial Operation Date (COD) on October 31, 2020.
Since transitioning to a public private partnership (PPP) with Airports Authority of India (AAI), MIA has emerged as a model of innovation, safety, and sustainability in India’s aviation sector, said a release. The three years of joint management with AAI, which ended October 30, 2023, set the tone for Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL) chart a path towards progress.
Growth chart
Having handled 0.61 million passengers in FY 2020–21 during the global pandemic, the airport has since handled 2.34 million passengers in FY 2024–25, a growth of 281%. The airport now connects six domestic metros and seven international destinations with over 50 daily air traffic movements (ATMs). ATMs have grown almost three times from 6,664 in FY 2020–21 to 16,816 in FY 2024–25.
The integrated cargo terminal, inaugurated in May 2023, has cumulatively processed 11,685 tonnes of international and domestic cargo so far. International cargo operations that commenced on July 2, 2024, have brought perishables, including fruit and vegetables to residents in the Middle East.
The airport has introduced an automated parking system integrating with digital payment platforms. DigiYatra now offers passengers the option to avoid queues at passenger processing touch points at the airport.
A front facade aerial view of Mangaluru Inernational Airport that celebrates five years under Mangaluru International Airport Ltd., in Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Infrastructure
The airport commissioned the international arrival hall. It has undertaken the first-of-its-kind ambitious project of installing a PAL System Category 1 on the runway (RWY) 24 side and has commenced enabling work for the same lighting system on the RWY 06 side. MIA has recarpeted RWY 06/24 – laying asphalt over rigid pavement – and also installed runway centre line lights to enhance safe operations.
Installation of Perimeter Intrusion Detection System, bollards and tyre killers at airside entry gates, inducting bullet resistant vehicles for use by CISF, state-of-the-art bomb detection and disposal system, commissioning of training ground for their Quick Reaction Team etc., have enhanced the security arrangements.
Sustainability
MIA has taken several initiatives towards sustainability including beach clean-up drives and rearing of Miyawaki forest at the Precision Approach Lighting (PAL) system worksite. It is also working to achieve zero waste-to-landfill certification. MIA has transitioned to 100% LED lighting and launched e-Cab services for passengers.
The airport has won several awards and accreditations.
Published – October 30, 2025 09:18 pm IST
