Passenger Growth Drives Next Phase of Terminal Expansion at Mangaluru International Airport
Airport Plans to Increase Annual Passenger Handling Capacity to 5.2 Million
Editor’s Synopsis
Proposed expansion to add 27,100 sq. m of space, increasing annual passenger handling capacity to 5.2 million.
Project targeted for completion by the end of 2029.
The airport handled 2.55 million passengers in FY 2025–26, exceeding its designed capacity of 2 million.
Expansion to introduce enhanced passenger amenities and new attractions for the local community.Mangaluru continues to strengthen its position as a hub for industry, education, healthcare and business.
Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a major expansion of its integrated terminal, aimed at increasing its 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 upgraded infrastructure to provide greater convenience for passengers while improving operational efficiency for airline partners.
The existing terminal, measuring 48,574 sq. m and originally designed to handle approximately 2 million passengers annually, has already exceeded its intended capacity. During FY 2025–26, the airport handled 2.55 million passengers, reflecting sustained growth in air travel demand.
The expansion, planned on the eastern side of the existing terminal, will add 27,100 sq. m of built-up space.
Passenger traffic has increased by nearly 42% over the past three years, rising from 1.79 million in FY 2022–23. Based on current trends, passenger traffic is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9%, crossing the four-million mark by FY 2030–31.
The additional 27,100 sq. m of space, along with modifications to the existing 48,574 sq. m terminal, is expected to support this projected growth through the end of the decade and beyond.
The growth is being driven by Mangaluru’s emergence as a major 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 steadily increasing, the proposed capacity augmentation will be crucial to maintaining service standards and ensuring a seamless travel experience. The expansion will provide additional space and processing infrastructure across check-in, security screening, immigration, baggage handling, and arrival and departure areas.
By combining increased capacity with technology-enabled passenger processing, improved accessibility and a wider range of amenities, Mangaluru International Airport aims to establish itself as a smarter, more efficient and passenger-centric gateway to Coastal Karnataka and its surrounding regions.
The comprehensive terminal expansion will also introduce distinctive amenities for local residents, 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 facilities are intended to provide opportunities for leisure and community engagement beyond the conventional travel experience.
Complementing the terminal expansion and renovation 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 convenient and seamless movement between the parking areas and the airport.
The terminal expansion project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. Once completed, it will position Mangaluru International Airport to accommodate future passenger growth, enhance the overall travel experience, and further strengthen regional air connectivity.
