Passenger Growth Drives Next Phase of Terminal Expansion at Mangaluru International Airport

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Mangaluru : Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday broke ground for a major expansion of its integrated terminal, aimed at increasing annual passenger handling capacity from 2.5 million to 5.2 million over the next three years. The expanded terminal will incorporate modern technologies and enhanced infrastructure to deliver greater convenience for passengers while improving operational efficiency for airline partners.

The existing terminal, measuring 48,574 sq m and designed to handle approximately 2 million passengers annually, has already surpassed its intended capacity. In FY 2025–26, the airport handled 2.55 million passengers, reflecting sustained growth in air travel demand. The expansion, on the east side of the existing terminal, will see the addition of 27,100 sq m of space.

Passenger traffic has increased by nearly 42% over the last three years, rising from 1.79 million passengers in FY 2022–23. Based on current trends, passenger traffic is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 9%, crossing the four-million-passenger mark by FY 2030–31. The addition of 27,100 sq m of space and modifications to the existing 48,574 sq m of space will support projected passenger growth by the end of the current decade and beyond.

The growth is being driven by Mangaluru’s emergence as a key commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, start-up and business hub in the region. As the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district, which has one of Karnataka’s highest per capita incomes after Bengaluru, the city continues to strengthen its position as an important economic centre.

With passenger volumes increasing steadily, the proposed capacity augmentation will be critical to maintaining service standards and ensuring a seamless travel experience. The expansion will create additional space and processing infrastructure across check-in, security screening, immigration, baggage handling and arrival and departure areas.

Combining increased capacity with technology-enabled passenger processing, improved accessibility and a wider range of amenities, Mangaluru International Airport aims to deliver a smarter, more efficient and passenger-centric gateway for Coastal Karnataka and its surrounding catchment areas.

The comprehensive terminal expansion works will introduce distinctive amenities for locals, including a security-cleared public viewing gallery and an open-air recreational zone overlooking the airfield and the scenic Gurupura River valley. Conceived as an extension of the airport ecosystem, these spaces are designed to offer leisure and community engagement opportunities beyond the conventional travel experience.

Complementing the terminal expansion and modification will be a proposed multifunctional building featuring multi-level parking for more than 800 vehicles, modern office spaces, passenger amenities, food and beverage outlets and recreational facilities. A dedicated pedestrian bridge equipped with travelators and buggy services will connect the facility to the terminal, ensuring seamless and convenient movement between parking areas and the airport.

The terminal expansion project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029, positioning Mangaluru International Airport to meet future demand while enhancing the overall passenger experience and strengthening regional connectivity.