Mangaluru: The proposed expansion of the Mangaluru International Airport runway by 150 metres has sparked debate, with Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza urging that landowners who will lose their property receive adequate compensation, employment opportunities, and housing facilities.
Expansion requires nearly 33 acres of land
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has sought 32.97 acres of land from the state government to facilitate the runway extension. However, since the state government does not receive a revenue share from the airport, it has maintained that the cost of land acquisition should be borne by the AAI and Adani Group, which manages the airport under contract.
Speaking at a press conference at the Mangaluru City Corporation office, Ivan D’Souza said he had raised the matter in the Legislative Council and was informed that the government had already written to the Airport Authority regarding the proposal.
“The company must ensure that those who lose land are compensated fairly and also provided with employment and housing support,” he stressed.
Operational challenges at Mangaluru airport
Despite being the second largest international airport in Karnataka, Mangaluru Airport continues to face operational challenges. D’Souza pointed out that the airport lacks adequate runway lighting, making it difficult for planes to land during adverse weather conditions.
He added that larger aircraft, including Boeing planes, often avoid the airport due to infrastructure limitations. “The authority and the operating company should take immediate steps to resolve these problems,” he said.
Calls for a new airport in Palimaru
Highlighting the unique risks of operating at a tabletop airport, D’Souza said the long-standing demand for an alternative facility must be revisited. He suggested that the government consider building a new airport on government-owned land in Palimaru, which could benefit both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
He further urged Members of Parliament from both districts to pressure the Union government to approve the proposal, arguing that a new airport would better serve the region’s growing aviation needs.
Conclusion
With air traffic in coastal Karnataka steadily increasing, the runway expansion project at Mangaluru Airport is seen as a critical infrastructure upgrade. However, D’Souza’s demand for fair rehabilitation of affected families and his call for a new airport underline the challenges of balancing growth, safety, and social responsibility in the region.