Mangalore Airport Traffic up by 92% : Surpasses Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai


Mangalore Airport Traffic up by 92% : Surpasses Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai

Times of India

  • Mangalore airport sees phenomenal growth of 92%
  • Surpasses Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai
  • Third fastest growing tier-II city
  • Airport handles 42 international arrivals and departures per week
  • Handles 28 domestic arrivals and departures per day
  • Even on cargo front, impressive growth of 39%

Mangalore, May 18: Mangalore has shot to fame as the city’s Bajpe airport has recorded a phenomenal growth in air traffic movement of 92% in February 2008 compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.


Mangalore Airport's new terminal will have this look when the work is completed. 

According to a report on latest air traffic trends issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Mangalore airport has reported the largest growth in south India surpassing metros like Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, and is the third fastest growing tier-II city in India
after Agartala (95.2%) and Indore (105.9%).

The average national growth in air traffic movement in the country for February ’08 was 18% over the same period in ‘07.

According to the AAI report card, the increase in the number of low-cost airlines and international airlines is fuelling the growth of air traffic in these secondary cities. Bangalore is no more the gateway city to Mangalore, as now airlines operate direct flights from Mumbai and other metro cities. Recently, lowcost carrier Deccan launched a new flight connecting Mangalore to Kochi. National low-cost carrier Air India Express will also be upping its frequency in and out of Mangalore as it adds more flights to the Gulf region as well as metro cities in India.

“As Bangalore gets more and more saturated, emerging regional hubs like Mangalore are going to benefit. Mangalore has traditionally attracted the student and leisure traffic, but of late it’s attracting a lot of business traffic especially from the IT sector, forcing airlines to increase their services,” said Kapil Kaul, CEO (Indian subcontinent & Middle East), Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation.

Mangalore saw a 67% growth in domestic air traffic movement in February, in comparison to the national average of 17.4%. At present, the airport handles 42 international arrivals and departures per week and 28 domestic arrivals and departures per day. Incidentally, Bajpe airport is the only airport in the state to operate two runways. The new Bengaluru International Airport will get its second runway only in 2014.

Even on the cargo front Mangalore reported an impressive growth of 39% in the year ended March 30, 2008 over the previous year.


Mangalore Airport director - M R Vasudeva

Bajpe airport director M R Vasudeva, said, “More infrastructure facilities had to be added to the arrival terminal due to the increase in operations by domestic and international carriers.”

And this spurt in air traffic has helped the airport record an impressive 950% growth in operating profit for the year ended March 30, 2008. It clocked an operating profit of Rs 9 crore up from Rs 83 lakh reported in the previous fiscal. Total revenue of the airport stood at Rs 19 crore for the year gone by.

And the growth is likely to continue to remain at these starry heights as a new terminal building will be up and running by February 2009.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Nikil Justine Jathanna, Udupi/Dubai

    Thu, Oct 02 2008

    Hats off to You!!! Well Done, Now Mangalore is on the map as well.Hope to hear more news from this "Ideal Airport"

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  • Dr Sundara, Mangalore/Coimbatore

    Tue, May 27 2008

    Well done Mr Vasudeva. Congratulations.As some people have suggested, it would be highly useful if volvo bus service is introduced from important city points and nearby towns.The roads in the Mangalore city needs improvement. Connectivity to important tourist places like Udupi, Darmasthala, Subramanya, Srigeri, Belur, Halebeedu,etc from Mangalore if improved may further attract air passangers and thus cotribute for further growth of the city and the region

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  • Cyprian Dantis, Kadri,Mangalore-Kuwait

    Tue, May 27 2008

    All credit goes to M.S.Vasudeva , Keep it up. God bless you. Dantis cyprian-Kuwait

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  • Abdul Lathif Pathody, Abu Dhabi

    Mon, May 26 2008

    Indian Civil Aviation authority must allow more airlines to operate between Mangalore and all Gulf Counties. Now Air India Express is the only one airline to operate between Mangalore and Gulf Countries. This should be changed soon. When more airlines are there, every body will try to improve the service which will beneficial to the passengers. When can we expect other airlines operating between Mangalore and Gulf countries ?

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  • Anwar sadath, jubail/saudi arabia

    Sat, May 24 2008

    Masha Allah, i am very proud be magalorean , and hope very soon we will have flight from dammam to mangalore

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  • fuhaid, mangalore

    Sat, May 24 2008

    when are direct flights to mangalore starting from jeddah saudi arabia ?

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  • B.N.Radhakrishna Rao, Vivek Nagar,Mangalore

    Sat, May 24 2008

    The phenomenal progress of Bajpe Airport is mainly due to the untiring,determined efforts and sankalpa of the Director,Mr.Vasudeva Rao.No praise is too high for this humble and modest gentleman.I always tell him he is the 'Unsung Hero' of Mangalore Airport.He has created history,and established records after records,and he will be remembered by all those who use this Airport for many generation.He is comparable to Mr.E.Sridharan of the world famous Konkan Railway Corpn.If we have more Indians like them we will be on top of the world very soon.Congradulations Mr.Vasudeva once again,and May GOD bless you with the best of health and greater success and fame in the years ahead!

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  • ashok pai, bangalore

    Thu, May 22 2008

    thanx to the NRI people in the gulf and abrod generally who put pressure on government to act quickly, and also thanx to people of the airport authorities locally, and also us passengers :) its a combination of all these that the airport has really prospered! its always good to have wealth and facilities distributed, than have it all in bangalore or a few cities like bombay or the metros.

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  • GLADYS CORREA, SHIRVA / DUBAI

    Wed, May 21 2008

    I fully agree with Mr. Crasta. Our dreams came true with the intiative taken by Mr. Rajesh Sequeira and the dedicated support given by Mr. Vasudev in making Mangalore Airport to the International level. Thanks to every one who supported in making it successful. Also agree with Mr. Anil Kamath and Renny, we too experienced smiliar harssement from the custom officials.

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  • nabil, bajpe/muscat

    Wed, May 21 2008

    when is the private flights like jet airways for international destination gonna start in mangalore

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  • AUGUSTINE DANIEL D'SOUZA, Udupi Vasai Virar State of Kuwait

    Tue, May 20 2008

    Congrats Mr Vasudevan for the MANGALORE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Please start additional flights to Mangalore from KUWAIT.

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  • Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Tue, May 20 2008

    I am not surprised at all at the growth of The Mangalore Airport. This spells prosperity to Dakshina Kanada and to the Nation. Who is essentially responsible for the tide of change? One should meet Mr. Vasudev Rao to know his dynamism. This gifted person is blessed with great qualities of heart and mind. His simplicity speaks volumes of his greatness. I hope his tenure in Mangalore will be a long one. Indeed this man of the soil has amply proved his worth. May he be blessed. Joe Gonsalves.

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  • praveen, mangalore

    Tue, May 20 2008

    congrats mr.vasudev.i am very proud of mangalore.you have done great for mangalore.god bless you and on your work and whatever your dreams may come true as soon as possible.

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  • robert patrick, yamanjour

    Tue, May 20 2008

    congrates Mr. Vasudeva. Please start additional flights to Mangalore from Dubai please.

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  • SNH Kuwait, Mangalore

    Tue, May 20 2008

    We are all appreciate your hard work, please open Mangalore Airport all Airlines, this will help passengers and additional revenue for the Airport, what is reason Kuwait Mangalore flights not started.

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  • Lancy Moras, Bajjodi, Jeddah Saudi Arabia

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Three Cheers and God Bless Mr. Vasudeva. When is KSA turn by the way ? Thanks

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  • dorothy, Belman/Kuwait

    Mon, May 19 2008

    It's good to know the improvements and we are proud to be Mangaloreans. we are waiting for direct Flight from Kuwait to Mangalore: I hope it doesnt remain a dream forever.

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  • Jaison D'Souza, Mangalore

    Mon, May 19 2008

    All the credit goes to Mr. Vasudeva and his team. Hope this will bring more development to the coastal area.

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  • Venance A. J. Crasta, UDYAVARA / bANGALORE

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Great hard work from Mr.Vasudev Rao and other Staff members and also from NRIs. Sir, connecting Volvo AC Buses like Bangalore are to be introduced from the Bajpe Airport to Mangalore, Udupi, Manipal, Kundapura,Kasargod, Mulki etc. This will help the passengers,who are not mind to spend little more but less than heavy taxifare.

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  • D'Souza C.E., Bajpe/Kuwait

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Mr.Rao we hope the new time given to start the Mangalore-Kuwait sector flights will be really come into effect for which all Mangaloreans are eagerly waiting for. Hence the Airport traffic will also increase.

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  • Halady Amanu saheb, HALADY POST KUNDAPUR TALUK

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Dear officer Mr.Vasudev Rao, I would like to bring your kind notice that there is 5 flights will making service from Jeddah to khozikode sector.If you start flight from jedddah to Mangalore you can attract northen Kerala passengers also.Saudia is biggest country in GCC. But unfortunately we did not get direct flightuntill now. We hope you will fulfill our desire as soon as possible.

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  • Deepak Rao, England/ Mangalore

    Mon, May 19 2008

    We need to have busses connecting airport with Mangalore and Surathkal. Even if the bus ticket is around Rs 25-50, it would still be cheaper than taxis. The busses can also get passengers with valid air tickets to the airport.

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  • Henry D' Souza, Kadri/Kuwait

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Doing a good job but why does'nt your effort look on starting direct flights from Kuwait to Mangalore.

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  • Divya D' Souza, Kavoor,Mangalor/Kuwait

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Very pleased with your effort. congrats and all the best in your future endeavours. But Please please work towards Mangalore-Kuwait direct Flights.

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  • Urbn, Shirva

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Bravo Mr. Vasudeva.... But sad news is till date Kuwait Mangalore is in air.

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  • Sunil dsouza, Kemmanu

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Yes all the credit goes to Mr Vasudva for his dedication.Because of him, Mangalore Airport's name is in the International Airport List.I wish him every sucess and God give him good health. Regards Sunil L dsouza

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  • Mahesh, Canada/Mangalore

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Congratulations to Mr.Vasudeva and his team for the great job done.There is one more segment where there is great potential and still untapped.Direct flights to Mangalore from North America (especially USA/Canada)connecting thru Europe.Currently,thousands of citizens from these places have to land at Bangalore or Mumbai and wait for at least 6-8 hrs to catch a connecting flight to Mangalore. Direct flights from European cities will be most convenient, saving time and money.Hope,the concerned authorities will give a serious thought to this idea.

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  • Ashley Machado, Mangalore

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Congrats to the new director of Mangalore Airport. Hats off to the great job you doing.After all the years of lethargic work of MCC, the airport is taking shape.. One suggestion - How about have a Mass Transit system(Metro Rail types) to connect the city to the airport?? Give it a thought MCC or whoever is concerned since everyone is aware of the pathetic traffic in Bangalore because of reckless development....

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  • Norbert, Bantwal / Brisbane Australia

    Mon, May 19 2008

    Very impressed. Yes, please start Singapore - Mangalore flights, there will be good passengers - All the best

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  • Wilfred Fernandes, Mangalore/UAE

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Commenting on Shabi, Dear Mr. Vasudev kindly ignore these type of requests which are applicable for some particular communities. People could have asked for something which helps handicapped and ladies instead of prayer rooms. India is a secular country. You are doing a good job and continue it. Good luck

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  • Renny, Udupi/ Abudhabi

    Mon, May 19 2008

    I will fully agree with Mr Anil Kamath. One of my friend was asked USD500/- as Duty ( Pocket money) for just 15grams of gold chain.When he refused to pay and after much harssement allowed to go out. Dear Mr Vasudave Rao, please do some thing that innocent people are not harassed by custom officer and tarnish the image of Mangalore Airports. At least put list of allowed goods free of custom duty and install CCTV to watch the movement of custom officers.

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  • Praveen, USA

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Congratulations to all those involved. Its a wonderful news and I wish it grows to greater heights. I wonder why Qatar airways has no service to either mangalore or bangalore?

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  • Shuaib, Mangalore

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Good Thinking Mr. Hegde progress or development should be in all directions. Arabian Gulf is a much familiar place to us which is now highly booming. And of course! best wishes to the team involved in the development of our airport.

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  • RAMMOHAN, now at Farmington M I,U S

    Sun, May 18 2008

    It will be wonderful if flight to U S is started via Mumbai or Bangalore and Malaysian countires

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Agnes D'souza, Kulshekar/Kuwait

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Great work Mr. Vasudeva, but can someone atleast give a hint as to what is stopping the direct flights from Kuwait/Saudi to Mangalore. Why this step-motherly treatment to us?? It is just news info about these sectors, never a reality, there has to be something behind this??

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  • Crasta , Kadri

    Sun, May 18 2008

    I remembered the pain and trouble taken by Mr. Rajesh Sequeira for this neglected Mangalore Airport to make it international. I would like to see his name when someone speaks about Mangalore Int. airport and it's progress.

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  • LEENA, MANGALORE

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Mr.vasudev, please do not forget Kuwait-Mangalore direct flight.

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  • mohammed saleem, Bajpe/Dammam

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Everybody feels happy when we hear that,Mangalore airport is growing day by day.This is the gate way to south india. so,our city wil become recognised by the traders,visitors and travelers.And also we the people of Saudi Arabia are still in hope of starting the flights from KSA to Mangalore.Hope this dreams will come true very shorty.

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  • SHABi, mangalore/dubai

    Sun, May 18 2008

    mr vasdev is doing very well to mangalore airport.that is a great thing but i request to mr vasdev that many of the muslim passanger coming from far away place.so there must be a prayer room for muslims to pray.

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  • Denzil Fernandes, Dubai

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Congrats to Mr. Vasudeva and his team. There is no doubt that the Mangalore Airport Director, Mr. M.R. Vasudeva and his team of dedicated employees need to be congratulated on making the Mangalore airport one of the busiest. Very soon Mangalore airport will be flying high with the new building in place and more facilities for the passengers. Mangalore serves as a great link to many travelling to Kerala and to all those getting into the rural lands of nearby areas of Mangalore.

    When we have achievers like Mr. Vasudeva any progress is possible. Mr. Vasudeva is almost like Mr. Sreedharan of the Konkan Railway Project who created a record with his great style of setting up the railway link. Like these two gentlemen, India has others who can rise to the occasion and deliver the goods for the sake of the nation's prosperity. We have to adore such noble citizens and applaud them while also condemning those who loot the country in the name of progress. When the good numbers increase the bad ones will diminish automatically and the country will surge ahead. This is the time for all those patriots to come forward and join men like Mr. Vasudeva and Mr. Sreedharan and serve the nation.

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  • Radhakrishna, Seethanadi

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Congratulations to all those involved. Indded a satsifying news.BUT why other international carriers are not flying from Mangalore? A regular airport prepaid coach from airport to to town may be introduced. Keep the growth.

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  • Rafi Ahmad Ali, Mangalore @ Riyadh, KSA

    Sun, May 18 2008

    It's good to know the improvements and we are proud as a Mangalorean. At the same time we hare anxiously waiting to hear the inauguration of Flight from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore: is it going to happen???

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  • Nazeer, Gurpura, Khobar-KSA

    Sun, May 18 2008

    We are very happy to hear our Mangalore Airport authority doing very well with the leadership of Mr. Vasudeva, our humbly request with Mr. Vasudeva please do the needful to start service to Dammam KSA. as Mr.Sameer Ahmed suggested.

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  • ANIL KUMAR KAMATH, MANGALORE / DUBAI

    Sun, May 18 2008

    dear all we should really appriciate the honest work of Mr. vausdev rao. but sorry to inform all the readers that the customs are collecting fine/duty for a packet to cigarettes ( if the passenger is having 2 pkts) what a pity on indian customs.........? the customs had asked to pay RS.360.00 per packet & later on agreed to collect Rs.260.00. i kindly request Mr. rao / any customs official - to provide the list of duty free items and its limit that can be brought to mangalore while coming from dubai.

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  • Kumar Fernandes, Mudarangadi/ Dubai

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Really all credit goes to Mr Vasudva for his dedication.Because of him, Mangalore Airport's name in the International Airport List.I wish him every sucess and God give him good health. Regards K.Fernandes

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  • Saoud Shaikh, Jeddah, Yermal - Jeddah - KSA

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Masha Allah.. Its all the credit goes to all those people who accompanied Mr. Vasudev. He is noble, prominent and Challenging personality ever seen in AAI. I wish all the employees of Airport and all well wishers who lend their services to the development of the airport with my best wishes and prayers. May God Bless All... Jai Hind

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  • Abdul, Permude

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Good News, Lots of opportunities is there for Mangalore Airport, If right people do the right jobe at right time. Should not be like as it took almost 50years to built a additional runway ?!! It seems at present right people doing right Job sincerely. Keep it up. Wish you all the best Mangaloreans

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  • Shameer Ahmed, Jubail, KSA / Kudroli

    Sun, May 18 2008

    It’s a good indication that Mangalore is really developing, but we, the people of eastern province in KSA are eagerly waiting for the flight from Dammam to Mangalore & vice versa. Hope this long awaited wish of ours may realize within couple of months.

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  • Dr Raj Hegde, Australia

    Sun, May 18 2008

    Please start Singapore- Manglore flights.There will be a good number of passengers at least twice a week flights.This will help not only for the people living in the east also for the Mangloreans to go for shopping in Singapore.

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Title: Mangalore Airport Traffic up by 92% : Surpasses Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai



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