Mangaluru airport achieves major milestone managing highest number of passengers
Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) achieved a significant milestone in July by managing the highest number of passengers, both domestic and international, in the current fiscal year.
According to the airport spokesperson a total of 1,62,667 passengers were handled last month, comprising 1,07,455 domestic travelers and 55,212 international passengers. This figure represents the second-highest passenger count since commercial operation date (COD) of October 31, 2020.
The airport in May 2022 had handled 167180 passengers, which is the highest since COD.
In the first four months of the fiscal year 2023-24, the airport experienced a surge of 24,037 passengers, recording a total of 620,553 passengers compared to the 5,96,516 passengers in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
The monthly breakdown comprises 1,40,633 passengers in April (1,46,080 in April 2022), 1,61,857 in May (1,67,180), 1,55,396 in June (1,39,331), and 1,62,667 in July (1,43,925).
The substantial passenger growth observed in July 2023, amid the monsoon season, contributed significantly to the enhanced figures, according to the spokesperson.
Currently, the airport facilitates direct domestic connectivity to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. Additionally, there are exclusive connections to Mumbai through IndiGo and Air India, and a connectivity link to Ranchi.
On the international front, the airport offers direct flights to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, and Muscat, with one connecting flight to Bahrain via Kannur.
Since the inauguration of the integrated cargo terminal (ICT) on May 1, 2023, the airport has recorded an upswing in domestic cargo operations.
The cargo handling statistics have displayed a growth trajectory, with 246 tonnes in May, 332 tonnes in June, and 376 tonnes in July.
Outbound cargo constitutes a substantial portion, with 229 tonnes in May, 306 tonnes in June, and 354 tonnes in July. Inbound cargo mainly consists of e-commerce items, stationery, and post office mail.
