Mangaluru: Governor Vajubhai Vala informed that Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) has been declared as the cleanest and best-maintained airport in the country and measures should be taken to put the MIA in the top positions of three airports in handling the passenger traffic in the entire world.
He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the foundation laying ceremony of terminal building expansion and the inauguration of passenger boarding bridges and advanced visual docking guidance system at the Mangaluru International Airport on Friday, February 22. He said, Mangaluru has become an important business centre over the years. Efforts have been made to provide additional facilities in recent days. Due to this, most of the people from Kerala opt to travel from Mangaluru airport, ” he said.
MP Nalin Kumar informed that despite Kannur airport being functioning now, it has not had impact on the MIA. “We have demanded direct flight from MIA to Delhi and Pune. If the state government acquires 84 acres of land, the work of the runway expansion can be undertaken. Efforts are under progress for making a connective road between Kenjar railway station to MIA,” he informed.
The work of the terminal expansion at the cost of Rs 132.24 is expected to be completed by 2020. If the work would be completed within the stipulated period, the handling of passengers will rise from two million to three million per annum.
Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, Mayor Bhaskar K, Airport Director V V Rao among others were present.
