Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Mangaluru International Airport Records Remarkable Fifteen Percent Growth in Passenger Traffic During Financial Year 2024-25, Marking a Strong Recovery Post-Pandemic: Know More
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has demonstrated remarkable advancement throughout the financial year 2024-25, showcasing substantial gains across passenger volumes, flight operations, and cargo throughput. This robust expansion not only highlights the airport’s swift rebound following the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but also emphasizes its evolving status as a pivotal air transport hub connecting the coastal Karnataka region to domestic and international destinations.
Passenger Traffic Records Significant Uptick Reflecting Enhanced Connectivity
During the year 2024-25, Mangaluru International Airport welcomed 2,328,505 travelers, a striking increase of 15.34 percent compared to 2,018,796 passengers recorded in the prior year. This surge signals growing confidence in air travel and underlines the airport’s role in meeting rising demand through expanded routes and improved service capacity.
Viewed through the lens of pre-pandemic data, the growth is even more noteworthy. In 2019-20, just before the pandemic severely disrupted aviation, MIA accommodated 1,876,294 passengers. Surpassing 2.3 million passengers in 2024-25 marks a significant 24.1 percent uplift, reflecting a dynamic recovery and increased utilization of the airport’s facilities.
Domestic Travel Leads the Growth Momentum
The driving force behind this passenger increase is domestic air travel. Over the financial year, the airport served 1,613,250 domestic travelers—a 14.55 percent rise compared to 1,408,300 in 2023-24. This upswing reflects expanding economic activity, greater affordability of air travel, and the addition of new flight services, making air connectivity more accessible for residents and businesses in the region.
Mangaluru International Airport acts as a critical node linking coastal Karnataka with major Indian metropolitan centers including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai, providing vital connectivity that supports commerce, tourism, and personal travel.
International Traffic Shows Vigorous Recovery and Expansion
The international segment at MIA also saw impressive growth, with 715,255 overseas passengers passing through in 2024-25. This figure represents a 17.15 percent increase from 610,496 international travelers recorded in 2023-24. The expansion illustrates the reopening and strengthening of global air routes, with more frequent flights and destinations accessible to travelers from the region.
This rise in international travel signifies the airport’s increasing relevance as a gateway to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond, supporting the mobility needs of migrant workers, tourists, and business travelers.
Air Traffic Movements Reflect Operational Growth
Parallel to passenger growth, the total number of aircraft movements at the airport grew significantly. Mangaluru International Airport registered 16,816 takeoffs and landings in 2024-25, which is an 11.26 percent increase from 15,113 movements during the previous year. These figures encompass commercial, general aviation, and cargo flights.
The international flight segment experienced a robust 22.14 percent increase in movements, climbing to 4,286 from 3,509. Domestic flight operations also expanded by 8.94 percent, reaching 12,244 movements compared to 11,239 in 2023-24. These gains underscore the airport’s capability to manage increased traffic across all flight categories.
Cargo Throughput Accelerates with Promising International Launch
Cargo operations at MIA have grown steadily, further diversifying the airport’s business portfolio. Domestic cargo volume at the Integrated Cargo Terminal increased to 3,864.1 tonnes in 2024-25, up from 3,706.02 tonnes the prior year. Since beginning operations on May 1, 2023, the terminal has enhanced freight handling efficiency, serving local manufacturers, exporters, and agricultural producers.
International cargo services, initiated in July 2024, handled 1,347.07 tonnes by the end of March 2025, with nearly all of it outbound freight. This nascent international freight activity marks MIA’s emerging presence in global logistics networks, contributing to the region’s trade expansion.
Breaking Records with Highest Single-Day Passenger Traffic
On April 12, 2025, Mangaluru International Airport set a new daily record by accommodating 8,103 passengers, eclipsing the earlier high of 8,086 set on February 22, 2025. This milestone demonstrates the airport’s operational resilience and capacity to efficiently handle large passenger volumes during peak periods such as holidays and festivals.
Sustained Growth Carries into New Financial Year
The airport sustained its growth trajectory into the opening month of 2025-26, handling 217,893 passengers in April. This monthly total consisted of 143,117 domestic travelers and 74,776 international passengers. Corresponding air traffic movements reached 1,182 domestic and 392 international flights, surpassing the previous monthly record of 213,256 passengers logged in January 2025.
Future Outlook: Strategic Growth and Enhanced Connectivity
Mangaluru International Airport’s substantial growth in passengers, flights, and cargo signals its strengthening role as a regional aviation powerhouse. Continued investments in terminal expansions, technological upgrades, and airline collaborations will be key to sustaining this momentum.
Expanding the network of international destinations, improving passenger experience, and enhancing cargo logistics capabilities are vital strategies to leverage MIA’s growing traffic. Addressing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency will also be crucial as the airport scales to meet future demand.
Conclusion
Mangaluru International Airport’s impressive performance in 2024-25 illustrates a compelling narrative of recovery, expansion, and increased regional connectivity. The airport’s rising passenger counts, flight movements, and cargo volumes position it as an essential gateway supporting economic growth and travel needs in coastal Karnataka and beyond. With positive trends extending into the current financial year, MIA stands poised to continue its trajectory as a dynamic and growing aviation hub.
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