The aviation landscape at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has recorded substantial growth over the duration of the 2023-24 financial year, with a 12.5% increase in passenger traffic and a 4.4% rise in air traffic movements (ATMs). This noteworthy trend underscores the airport’s burgeoning role as a key node in India’s transportation network.
In stark numerical terms, MIA has seen its passenger volume escalate to 20.18 lakh in the last fiscal year, a significant leap from the 17.94 lakh passengers handled in the 2022-23 financial year. The breakdown of these figures reveals a swell in both domestic and international fronts. With 14.08 lakh domestic travelers setting foot through the airport’s gates, there was a 16.5% spike, whereas international passengers also enjoyed a growth margin of 4.2%, culminating in 6.10 lakh travelers.
When it comes to the frequency of flights, the air traffic movements at Mangaluru International Airport also witnessed an ascending trajectory, reaching a count of 15,113 during 2023-24 from the previous year’s 14,475 movements.
Chartered flights or general aviation markedly grew by 37.7% in the period in discussion, with MIA facilitating 365 flights, which outranks the previous year’s tally by a commendable 100 flights.
One aspect where the airport demonstrated remarkable resilience was in its handling of domestic ATMs. Despite numerous obstacles that challenged the airlines, domestic ATMs surged impressively by 11.7%. In addition, international travel volumes rose in spite of a reduction in international ATMs, illustrating the dynamic nature of the global travel industry and MIA’s adaptability within it.
December of 2023 was a milestone month for the airport as it registered a historic high with 2.03 lakh passengers using the airport – a record for single-month passenger movements. Moreover, March 2024 saw the highest monthly movement of ATMs, with a record 1,550 flights handled. This spike was primarily driven by a strategic decision from an unnamed airline opting to deploy ATR aircraft in lieu of Airbus for its Bengaluru-Mangaluru sector.
MIA’s contribution to the region’s connectivity was further bolstered by the introduction of new routes and aircraft. Air India Express, for instance, has smartly employed a narrow-bodied Boeing 737 Max to facilitate one-way through connectivity between Chennai and Mangaluru via Bengaluru. Launched in the summer schedule on March 31, the new IX 782 flight departs from Chennai at 9.45 a.m., arriving in Bengaluru at 10.40 a.m., and continues from Bengaluru at 11.15 a.m. to reach Mangaluru at 12.15 p.m.
IndiGo, another major carrier, has strengthened its presence by operating two direct daily flights to Chennai using ATR aircraft, offering passengers more options and flexibility.
The advancements at Mangaluru International Airport illustrate the robust growth and increasing importance of regional hubs in the larger aviation framework of India. The uptick in traffic and ATMs is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of MIA amidst evolving market circumstances and air travel dynamics.
Such progress marks MIA’s continuing commitment to meeting the travel needs of the region while aligning with ever-changing passenger preferences and industry trends. As the airport scales new heights, it serves as an engine for regional economic development, adding momentum to trade, tourism, and overall business activities in Mangaluru and its surrounding areas.
