Mangaluru: The Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) achieved a significant milestone by handling its highest-ever single-day passenger traffic of 8,168 on October 1, 2025, coinciding with the festival of Mahanavami.
According to an official post by the airport on X (formerly Twitter), this achievement marks the highest single-day movement since the airport’s Commercial Operation Date (COD) on October 31, 2020.
“A moment that reflects our journey of growth and resilience, and the trust of every passenger,” the airport wrote, highlighting the continued rise in passenger confidence and operational capacity.
Record traffic reflects steady growth
The record day saw 61 flight movements in total — 46 domestic (23 arrivals and 23 departures) and 12 international (six arrivals and six departures). Additionally, the airport handled one chartered flight and two defence flights.
The chartered flight was operated for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who visited the coastal city on the same day.
Breaking down the record passenger count, 2,183 were international travellers, 5,971 domestic, and 14 passengers flew on non-scheduled flights.
Breaking past records
Before this new milestone, the airport’s previous highest single-day passenger record stood at 8,103 on April 12, 2025, surpassing the earlier record of 8,086 on February 22, 2025.
Airport officials said the consistent growth in passenger numbers reflects the strengthening of air connectivity from Mangaluru to major domestic and international destinations.
Expansion and efficiency drive
The Mangaluru International Airport has seen steady growth in air traffic over the past few years, fuelled by improved infrastructure, enhanced airline connectivity, and festive season demand.
With an increasing number of domestic and international routes, including to Gulf destinations, airport authorities are working to expand terminal facilities and streamline passenger handling operations.
Symbol of regional connectivity
Located around 15 km from the city centre, MIA serves as a key aviation hub for coastal Karnataka, connecting travellers from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and parts of Kerala.
The airport’s consistent growth has also been attributed to strong business, educational, and tourism traffic, alongside a steady stream of NRIs returning from Gulf countries.
The new record underscores MIA’s growing importance as one of Karnataka’s busiest airports after Bengaluru and underscores its role in promoting regional development and connectivity.