Mangaluru International Airport has surpassed expectations in various growth indicators for the financial year 2023-2024, aligning with global and national aviation trends that have seen significant expansion post-pandemic disruptions. The airport achieved its highest-ever numbers in both passengers handled and air traffic movements (ATMs) since its commercial operation date (CoD).
During FY 2023-24, the airport served 20,18,796 passengers, marking a notable increase from the previous fiscal’s 17,94,054 passengers, representing a growth rate of 12.5%. Domestic travelers accounted for 14,08,300 passengers, experiencing a robust 16.5% growth compared to the previous year. Similarly, international travelers reached 6,10,496, showing a 4.2% increase over the previous fiscal.
In terms of ATMs, FY 2023-24 recorded 15,113 movements, up by 4.4% from the 14,475 ATMs in the previous fiscal. Notably, general aviation, including chartered flights, surged by 37.7%, with 365 flights handled, an increase of 100 flights compared to FY 2022-23. Despite challenges faced by airlines operating to the airport, domestic ATMs showed an impressive 11.7% growth. Additionally, despite a decline in overseas ATMs, more passengers opted for international travel.
The peak of domestic and international travel occurred in December 2023, where the airport registered a record 2.03-lakh passengers, the highest single-month movement since CoD. On the ATM front, Mangaluru International Airport recorded a record 1550 ATMs in March 2024, the highest monthly figure since CoD. This surge was primarily attributed to an airline’s decision to utilize more ATRs instead of Airbus aircraft on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru route.
Furthermore, Air India Express introduced Boeing 737 Max aircraft for one-way connectivity between Chennai and Mangaluru via Bengaluru in the summer schedule commencing March 31. The flight IX 782 departs Chennai at 9.45 am, arriving in Bengaluru at 10.40 am, then departing as IX 782 at 11.15 am, reaching Mangaluru at 12.15 pm. IndiGo has also expanded connectivity with two daily direct flights to Chennai using ATRs in the summer schedule.
