Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 26: Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) commemorated the 77th Republic Day of India with a ceremonial programme that combined patriotic observance with a celebration of operational achievements, safety preparedness and stakeholder collaboration.
The event began with a tribute to the nation’s martyrs, followed by the unfurling of the national flag and a guard of honour. The ceremony was led by Mr Binu Varghese, chief airport officer (CAO), MIA, in the presence of airport stakeholders, security agencies and operational teams.
Addressing the gathering, Varghese highlighted the airport’s strong growth trajectory, noting that MIA is on course to handle its highest-ever passenger traffic by the end of the current financial year, surpassing the 2.32 million passengers recorded in FY 2024–25. He also acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders in enabling the airport to handle 9,199 passengers on January 10, 2026, marking the highest single-day passenger throughput since the airport commenced operations.
A major highlight of the celebrations was an impressive live demonstration by the CISF Airport Security Group’s K9 unit, which drew enthusiastic response from the audience. Belgian Malinois dogs Max and Ranger showcased advanced tactical manoeuvres, including search and response drills, while Ranger’s precision ‘medical evacuation’ exercise, involving goldie, a golden retriever, emerged as a standout moment. Rio, a Labrador, further captivated attendees with high-energy obstacle navigation, obedience routines and coordinated movement displays, underlining the airport’s robust security preparedness.
The celebrations brought together teams from immigration, customs, airlines, concessionaires, Airport Authority of India (AAI), private security agencies and ground-handling partners, reflecting the collaborative ecosystem that supports round-the-clock airport operations. Cultural performances by employees of MIA and IndiGo, along with children of CISF personnel, added colour and warmth to the occasion.
Varghese also felicitated CISF personnel and private security staff for exemplary performance and dedication in maintaining operational safety and service standards.
MIA is operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator, which manages and develops seven other airports across the country, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai and the recently operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). As part of AAHL’s expanding aviation portfolio, MIA continues to maintain a sustained focus on safe, efficient and passenger-centric operations, while supporting regional connectivity and economic development. The Republic Day celebrations reaffirmed the airport’s commitment to nation-building, service excellence and collective responsibility.
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About Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL)
Mangaluru International Airport Limited (MgIAL) is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship of the globally diversified Adani Group, and the largest private operator of seven functional airports in India through Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). AAHL holds a 49 per cent stake, while AEL, the parent company, holds the majority 51 per cent stake in MgIAL. MgIAL operates and is modernising Mangaluru International Airport (IXE), a major aviation hub in Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
Mangaluru International Airport, Mangaluru (IATA: IXE ICAO: VOML)
Mangaluru International Airport, with a rich history of over 70 years, is spread over 583.77 acres and holds the distinction of being Karnataka’s second busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, having managed 2.32 million passengers in FY 2024–25. The airport, which is the first in Karnataka to have two runways, including one made of rigid pavement and overlaid with asphalt, currently caters to over 50 air traffic movements (ATMs) every day.
With a digital-first approach, the airport delivers a smooth experience for passengers through advanced technology and efficient operations. As an emerging cargo hub, IXE manages air cargo of over 5,600 metric tonnes per annum.
In July 2025, Airports Council International (ACI) awarded IXE Level 4 accreditation for customer experience. The accreditation recognises the airport's advanced practices in service design and innovation, governance, and customer understanding. Mangaluru International Airport was the first Indian airport in the 5 million passenger category to achieve the Level 3 milestone.