Mangaluru: Mangaluru International Airport welcomed second PUC toppers from the science, arts and commerce streams across Dakshina Kannada district for an exclusive experiential visit, giving students a rare behind-the-scenes look into airport operations and the aviation ecosystem.
The special visit was organised on May 7 as part of the airport’s year-long programmes marking the city’s association with civil aviation, which began 75 years ago when the first aircraft carrying then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru landed at the then Bajpe aerodrome on December 25, 1951.
Airport authorities said a series of programmes are being conducted throughout the year to commemorate the platinum jubilee of the historic milestone, with the grand finale scheduled for December 2026.
Students get behind-the-scenes airport experience
The initiative was aimed at inspiring academically accomplished students by offering them direct exposure to the functioning of a modern airport and the diverse career opportunities available in the aviation sector.
During the visit, students were introduced to several critical aspects of airport functioning, including passenger handling systems, terminal management and security procedures.
Officials guided the students through key passenger journey touchpoints, helping them understand how airport systems work together to ensure smooth travel experiences. They also received insights into airline operations and terminal coordination processes.
A major part of the session focused on aviation safety and security. Students interacted with personnel from the Aviation Security Group unit of the Central Industrial Security Force, who explained the importance of security checks, surveillance and operational safety measures implemented at airports.
Exposure to airside and emergency operations
One of the highlights of the experiential visit was the interaction with specialised operational units that ensure safe and efficient airport functioning.
Students visited sections related to aircraft rescue and fire fighting operations, where officials demonstrated emergency preparedness systems and explained the role of rapid response teams during aviation emergencies.
They also gained insights into the functioning of air traffic control systems that coordinate aircraft movement both in the air and on the ground. Airport officials explained how these systems help maintain safe skies while ensuring efficient runway and taxiway management.
The visit additionally focused on passenger experience management, with students learning how terminal operations are designed to enhance comfort, efficiency and convenience for travellers.
Officials noted that such exposure helps students understand the complexity and coordination required to operate an international airport efficiently on a daily basis.
Airport leadership highlights aviation career opportunities
Senior leadership of Mangaluru International Airport interacted with the students and shared insights into the rapid growth of India’s aviation industry and the increasing expectations of passengers.
The officials highlighted how the expansion of the aviation sector is creating opportunities across various fields, including airport management, engineering, customer service, logistics, security, technology and air traffic management.
Students were encouraged to consider aviation and allied sectors as promising career paths. Officials said the interaction served as an eye-opener for many participants, helping them better understand the scale and diversity of opportunities available within the industry.
Airport authorities also announced that SSLC toppers from Dakshina Kannada district would soon be invited for a similar experiential programme.
They stated that the airport remains committed to engaging with the local community and creating meaningful educational initiatives aimed at nurturing future talent.
Mangaluru Airport marks growth and achievements
Mangaluru International Airport Limited, which operates the airport, is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited under Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
Spread across 583.77 acres, Mangaluru International Airport is Karnataka’s second busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. The airport handled 2.54 million passengers during the 2025–26 financial year and currently manages more than 50 air traffic movements daily.
The airport also functions as an emerging cargo hub, handling over 5,600 metric tonnes of cargo annually.
Officials noted that the airport has adopted a digital-first approach to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency. In July 2025, the airport received Level 4 accreditation for customer experience from the Airports Council International, recognising its practices in service innovation, governance and customer engagement.
The airport had earlier become the first Indian airport in the five million passenger category to achieve the Level 3 milestone in customer experience accreditation.
In addition, the Confederation of Indian Industry awarded the airport the Zero Waste to Landfill certification for its sustainability initiatives.