**Executive Summary**
This document summarizes the response to Unstarred Question No. 1114 in Lok Sabha on February 5, 2026, regarding the expansion and development of Mangalore International Airport. It details the current status of the airport, plans for development, and connectivity. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has leased the airport to Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL).
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Airport Operations and Infrastructure:**
* AAI has leased Mangaluru International Airport to MgIAL for operations, management, and development under a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
* The airport has a cargo terminal with a 9,000 MT capacity, with a utilization level of 50-55%.
* The terminal building has a handling capacity of 2 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA).
* **Expansion and Modernization:**
* Expansion and modernization of airport infrastructure is a continuous process.
* It is undertaken by the Airport Operator based on traffic demand, land availability, commercial feasibility, operational requirements, and airline demand.
* **Connectivity and Air Travel:**
* Currently, there are no flights connecting Mangaluru Airport to Lakshadweep.
* Domestic aviation was deregulated in March 1994.
* Airlines are free to select markets and networks, subject to compliance with Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDGs) and flight schedules approved by the DGCA.
* **Connectivity to Other Transportation Modes:**
* The airport is located 7 km from the city, 15 km from the New Mangalore Port, 11 km from Mangaluru Junction Railway Station, and 14 km from Mangaluru Central Railway Station.
* It has road access via NH-66.
**Impact Analysis**
**Airport Operator (MgIAL)**
* **Impact:** Responsible for the ongoing expansion and modernization of the airport based on demand and feasibility.
* **Action Required:** Continue to assess traffic demand, land availability, and commercial feasibility to plan and execute expansion and modernization projects.
**Airlines**
* **Impact:** Free to select markets and networks, including potential routes to Lakshadweep.
* **Action Required:** Evaluate the feasibility of operating flights to and from Mangaluru Airport, including potential routes to Lakshadweep, while adhering to RDGs and DGCA regulations.
**Passengers and Cargo Operators**
* **Impact:** May benefit from increased capacity, improved infrastructure, and enhanced connectivity with other transportation modes.
* **Action Required:** Monitor developments related to airport expansion and new route opportunities.
**Airports Authority of India (AAI)**
* **Impact:** Oversight of the operations, management, and development of the airport leased to MgIAL.
* **Action Required:** Monitor operations to ensure that it is running smoothly.
Key Entities Referenced
Mangaluru International Airport: Subject of expansion and development plans.
Airports Authority of India (AAI): Leased out Mangaluru International Airport.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): Approves flight schedules.
Air Corporation Act: Repealed act that deregulated Indian domestic aviation.
Mangaluru: Location central to the airport's operations and expansion.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 1114
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 5th February 2026 )
EXPANSION OF MANGALORE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
1114. SHRI CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to expand Mangalore International Airport to
cater to increasing passenger and cargo traffic and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether there are proposals to develop Mangalore as a logistics hub or an epicentre
for trade and connectivity on the west coast, leveraging its strategic location in the said
region and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps being taken to promote Mangalore as a key connecting point for air travel
to Lakshadweep, including commencement of new flight routes and infrastructure
development; and
(d) the initiatives proposed to integrate the said airport with other transportation modes
to enhance seamless connectivity for passengers and cargo?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a) & (b): Airports Authority of India (AAI) has leased out Mangaluru International
Airport to Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL) for operations,
management and development under Public Private Partnership (PPP). Mangaluru
airport has a cargo terminal with a capacity of 9,000 MT, with the current utilization
level at around 50-55% of the installed capacity. The existing terminal building at
Mangaluru Airport is built across 48,574 square metre of area with the handling capacity
of 2 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA).
Expansion / modernisation of airport infrastructure is a continuous process, which is
undertaken by the Airport Operator(s) depending upon traffic demand, land availability,
commercial feasibility, operational requirements for safety of aircraft operation and
demand from airlines, etc.
(c): Currently, there are no flights connecting Mangaluru Airport to Lakshadweep. With
the repeal of Air Corporation Act in March 1994, the Indian domestic aviation was
deregulated. Airlines are free to induct capacity with any aircraft type, free to select
whatever markets and network they wish to service and operate subject to compliance
of Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDGs) issued by the Government and flight schedules
approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).(d): Mangaluru Airport is situated about 7 km from the city. The New Mangalore Port
lies around 15 km away. Mangaluru Junction Railway Station is about 11 km and
Mangaluru Central Railway Station is about 14 km from the airport. Further, Mangaluru
Airport has road access through NH -66.
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