Infrastructure

Mangalore Airport | Your Gateway to Coastal Karnataka


03, December 2025

Mangalore Airport (formerly Mangaluru International Airport) is an international airport in Mangalore, India. It is one of Karnataka's only two international airports; the other is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. Mangalore Airport Code is (IATA: IXE, ICAO: VOML). Mangalore International Airport is Karnataka's second busiest airport. In addition to domestic destinations. Middle Eastern cities depart daily. Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, arriving in a Douglas DC-3 aircraft, named the airport Bajpe Aerodrome when it opened on December 25, 1951. The Airport has over 1,809,266 passengers in 2023!

Overview of Mangalore Airport

Mangalore Airport is situated on a hill near Bajpe, 13 kilometers northeast of Mangalore city. It stands out for having two "tabletop runways" with steep drop-offs on either side. Originally a minor local airport, it grew in the early 2000s and began handling international flights in 2006. The longer runway now accommodates larger planes. The airport passed the one million passenger mark in 2012 and has continued to grow consistently since then. Recently, it was leased to Adani Enterprises for future development.

Mangalore Airport Runway

Mangalore Airport Runway began with a single, short runway in 1951. This runway was difficult to land on due to its uneven surface, short length, and steep drop-off at the end. Notably, in 2006, the airport became the first in Karnataka with two runways, as well as the first with a concrete runway. The second runway was more longer and safer for landing. Even before the terrible accident in 2010, plans were ongoing to lengthen this runway in order to increase safety and efficiency. In addition, safety upgrades were implemented in response to aviation authorities' concerns.

Mangalore Airport Passenger Terminal

The road to the new terminal shortens the distance between the city and the airport by approximately 8 kilometers (5.0 miles). On December 16, 2009, the airport had a trial run of the terminal for domestic flights. The terminal building was launched on May 15, 2010, by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. It was scheduled to open to air traffic on July 1, 2010, however due to delays caused by the Air India Express Flight 812 accident, it only became operational on August 2, 2010.

Since September 2010, the Karnataka Mangalore Airport has implemented a user development fee (UDF) of ₹150 (US$1.90) per passenger for domestic flights and ₹825 (US$10) for foreign flights. The Civil Aviation Ministry approved this fee. As of May 15, 2010, 26 domestic flights and 52 international flights were operated weekly.

Mangalore Airport Airlines and Destinations

Airlines

Destinations

Air India

Mumbai

Air India Express

Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangalore, Dammam, Doha, Dubai–International, Jeddah, Kannur, Kuwait City, Muscat, Tiruchirappalli

IndiGo

Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Dubai–International, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Ranchi.

Feel free to know Pros and Cons of Buying Property Near Airport.

GR Sitara - Hosa Road Bangalore

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Mangalore Airport Cargo

Air cargo complex of the airport was commissioned in the year 2013.

Tonnage and Annual Handling Capacity

Cargo type

Total covered area

Capacity (One time handling capacity)

International

1,400 m2 (15,000 sq ft)

140 t (140 long tons; 150 short tons)

Domestic

1,094 m2 (11,780 sq ft)

110 t (110 long tons; 120 short tons)

Major commodities are fresh vegetables, chilled fish, ornamental fish, cashews, flowers, and machinery parts.

Transportation from Mangalore Airport

KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) provides airport low-floor Volvo bus service from Mangalore Central Railway Station and Manipal to Mangalore International Airport. For those preferring taxis, Mangalore airport taxi services are readily available alongside prepaid taxi services at the airport's arrival hall counter, operating 24/7.

Hotels near Mangalore Airport

If you have an early departure or late arrival, there are various hotels conveniently located near the airport. Below are some hotels near Mangalore Airport.

  • Hotel Ganga Sagar

  • Hotel Sharada Residency

  • RJ Paradise

  • Ginger Mangalore

  • The Ocean Pearl INN

  • Hotel BMS

Mangalore International Airport has grown from its humble origins as Bajpe Aerodrome into an important gateway to Karnataka's coastal beauty. With its unique runways, enhanced infrastructure, and proximity to plenty of tourist spots, the airport serves both leisure and business passengers. Furthermore, the air cargo complex improves the region's economic position. So, if you want to enjoy the cultural and natural treasures of coastal Karnataka, Mangalore International Airport will welcome you with open arms.

Also Know About Busiest Airports in India.

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Most Frequently Asked Questions?

When Was Mangalore Airport Built?

The airport, originally known as Bajpe aerodrome, was established on December 25, 1951.

When did Adani buy Mangalore Airport?

The Adani Group will take over the whole management of the city's international airport from October 31 2020.

How much did Adani pay for the Mangalore airport?

According to the final deal, Adani had to pay Rs 74.5 crore for Mangaluru (a reduction of Rs 288.5 crore).

GR Sitara - Hosa Road Bangalore

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