Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta on Wednesday urged the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to grant Point of Call (PoC) status to Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), citing the airport’s rapidly growing passenger volume, strategic significance, and the heavy dependence of Gulf-bound travellers on the facility. Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, he emphasised that the absence of PoC status has placed considerable inconvenience on the coastal Karnataka diaspora working in West Asian countries.
Chowta noted that MIA functions as the primary aviation gateway for the coastal region as well as neighbouring districts of northern Kerala. The airport handled approximately 23.4 lakh passengers in 2024–25, including 7.15 lakh international passengers. In the same period, over 16,800 aircraft movements were recorded, reflecting more than 15 per cent annual growth. This, he said, underscores the airport’s increasing strategic and commercial relevance.
Need for international connectivity
A substantial number of people from coastal Karnataka work across the Gulf and the Middle East, relying almost entirely on Mangaluru for international travel. However, the lack of PoC status prevents foreign airlines from operating direct international flights to and from the airport. As a result, passengers are compelled to transit through either Bengaluru or Kochi, adding to travel time, cost, and inconvenience.
Chowta argued that granting PoC status would ease the burden on thousands of non-resident Indians and improve passenger satisfaction. It would also open the door for foreign carriers to introduce direct services, which could benefit the region’s economy and enhance MIA’s operational profile.
Boost for regional economy
According to the MP, improved direct connectivity could become a catalyst for trade, investment, and industrial growth. Coastal Karnataka hosts several major sectors that rely heavily on efficient logistics—such as marine exports, arecanut and cashew processing, petrochemicals, and manufacturing linked to the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Direct international operations could significantly enhance export competitiveness, streamline cargo movement, and attract new investments.
Further, he stated that enhanced air connectivity would complement the broader economic expansion of the region and encourage tourism, particularly among travellers from the Middle East seeking leisure and medical services in Karnataka.
Appeal to the Civil Aviation Ministry
Chowta appealed to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to urgently consider the PoC request in light of the airport’s performance indicators and the genuine needs of the region’s workforce. He emphasised that the government’s support in this regard would not only strengthen the airport’s profile but also provide substantial relief to the coastal population that depends on overseas travel.
He concluded that Mangaluru International Airport has the necessary capacity, passenger base, and economic relevance to justify PoC status, and that timely approval would unlock wider opportunities for growth and connectivity.